ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has dismissed claims of political rivalry with the Deputy President, insisting that the party’s engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration is driven by national interest, not power contests.

“For the Deputy President, we do not want your seat. You are our friend. As we negotiate, we will negotiate for what our people deserve and for all Kenyans.” Oburu said on Monday during the launch of Nota programme in Kisumu.

Oburu said ODM’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration follows years of political contestation and the loss of his brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s long-time ally, which reshaped the party’s approach to national politics.

 

“ODM has collaborated with UDA in the broad-based government. Since we lost my brother and he left us in this situation, we decided to work together,” he said.

Oburu reiterated that ODM is a national party and not confined to any single ethnic or regional identity.

 

“Our party is not a luo party. It is a party for the whole country. We will make sure everyone gets a fair share of the national cake.”

 

Oburu also took a swipe at emerging political rivals, questioning their visibility and grassroots engagement.

 

“Those who want to take over government — I don’t see them campaigning. They are just circling in one area,” he said. “I have never seen a president campaign with this kind of energy.”

 

Calling for unity and stability, the ODM leader urged Kenyans to support the current political cooperation to unlock development and shared prosperity.

 

“Let us continue to embrace our country so that our people benefit,” he said, ending with a metaphorical rallying call: “Tufike Canaan kupitia Singapore.”