Oburu to Kindiki: We don't want your position, we want dialogue

Speaking during a National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) business support programme in Kisumu on Monday, Oburu poked fun at Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, saying that the talks will not seek to oust him, but to advance ODM's agendas.

"Mr. Deputy President, do not think we want your seat and chase you. You are our friend, but as we negotiate, we will do so according to what our people and party deserve," he said.

"We are going to talk to UDA (ruling party) and make sure we have more than we have now."

Oburu, also the Siaya Senator, added that ODM will seek fair negotiations with the President William Ruto-led UDA party, and will ensure everyone secures their rightful share of the "national cake".

"Our party is not a Luo party; it is a party for the whole of Kenya, and therefore, we are going to negotiate fairly. We do not want tribal parties, and we will not take anybody's share. We are only going to make sure that everybody gets a fair share of the national cake," he said.

Oburu has been insistent that cooperation between ODM and the government will give ODM greater leverage and continuity during the general elections in 2027. 

However, the critics of the broad-based government within the ODM party, including a good number of younger leaders, oppose this direction and want ODM to reassert an independent opposition identity. 

ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga said that they expect a fair sharing of resources after discussions between the two parties ahead of the 2027 General Election.

President  Ruto has declared that he is targeting a decisive victory in the 2027 polls, saying he wants to win by a margin of between two and three million votes through a possible coalition with ODM.