ODM Coast leaders rally behind Oburu Odinga, back talks with Ruto

The meeting, attended by governors, MPs and party officials drawn from the Coast and other regions, was also used to push for the inclusion of Coast leaders in any political talks and future party arrangements.

ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir told supporters the party would not be cowed, insisting ODM’s support base at the Coast remained intact.

“Hatuuziwi uoga,” he said. “ODM ni Pwani na Pwani ni ODM.”

Council of Governors chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi said most ODM governors were behind Oburu’s leadership, arguing that disagreements should be handled within party structures.

“Katika COG, ODM ina magavana 15 na 14 wako nyuma ya Oburu. Mmoja ndio amemuasi,” Abdullahi said, adding that those unhappy should leave instead of undermining the party.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro said the Coast did not want to remain in opposition, calling for the region to be part of the government.

“Hatutaki tena kuwa upinzani kwa miaka mengine. Lazima Pwani iwe kwa serikali,” he said.

Leaders at the rally also spoke about ODM’s talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), saying the party had sanctioned Oburu to lead the engagement with President Ruto.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi said the party leadership had given Oburu the green light to negotiate, a position Oburu confirmed while addressing the gathering.

“Raila alituacha kwa broad-based, na nimepewa nafasi kujadiliana na chama cha Ruto,” Oburu said, adding that he would constitute a team to drive discussions around issues affecting wananchi.

“Naunda timu kubwa itakayozungumzia mambo ya mwananchi,” he said.

Oburu said the party’s 10-point agenda remained in force and vowed ODM would push for its implementation.

Coast leaders also rallied behind Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, with several speakers arguing that the region must have a seat at the table in negotiations and in the party’s future leadership plans.

Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohammed said the Coast wanted a leader who understands the region’s challenges.

“Tunahitaji mmoja wetu anayejua shida za Pwani… lazima Ali Hassan Joho awe hapo atupiganie,” she said.

Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga said ODM’s history could not be told without the Coast, insisting the region must be represented in any talks.

“Katika mazungumzo tunataka Mpwani awe pale,” he said.

Joho, while addressing supporters, acknowledged his ambition for the presidency but urged patience, saying political plans are built over time.

“Nataka urais ndio, lakini naenda mdogo mdogo. Siasa ya kesho hupangwa leo,” he said.

He also called for discipline within the party, insisting that no individual is bigger than ODM.

“Chama lazima iwe na nidhamu. Hakuna mtu mmoja mkubwa kwa chama,” he said.

Several speakers took aim at internal dissent, warning against moves they said were aimed at destabilising ODM.

Busia Governor Gladys Wanga urged members to respect the party’s leadership.

“Chama cha ODM kiongozi ni Dr Oburu… You cannot be bigger than the party,” she said.

Tana River Governor Dhadho Gaddae Godhana described Oburu as the leader entrusted with carrying forward Raila Odinga’s legacy.

“Dr Oburu ndio baba alotuachia. Tutasimama hapa kwa heshima,” he said.

Suna East MP Junet Mohammed dismissed rival meetings held elsewhere, saying ODM remains a national party and should not be weakened by factional interests.

“Chama ya ODM si chama ya kibinafsi ni chama ya kitaifa. Baba hakutufunza uoga,” he said.

In his address, Oburu acknowledged the weight of taking over after his brother’s death, saying he was working to live up to Raila Odinga’s legacy as he strengthens party discipline and expands membership.

“Tulipoteza ndugu yangu Raila… viatu vyake vilikuwa vikubwa, najaribu kufit,” he said, to applause from the crowd.

He warned that indiscipline would not be tolerated, saying ODM would remain united as it charts the way forward.