“Spare Us Your Advice”: Oburu Oginga Warns Outsiders Against Meddling In ODM-UDA Talks

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has cautioned external actors and non-party members against interfering in ODM’s ongoing negotiations with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

In a statement released on Wednesday, October 29, Oburu asserted that the party possesses the internal structures, clear objectives, and experienced leadership required to manage its political engagements without unsolicited external interference.

“Let me be unequivocal: ODM is an established political institution with legitimate structures, clear objectives, and an experienced leadership capable of conducting negotiations in the Party’s and Kenyans’ best interests,” Oburu stated.

His comments follow public debate regarding whether the high-level talks between ODM and UDA should culminate in a formal, written power-sharing agreement. Oburu noted that such discussions had surfaced during his recent absence from active public engagements.

“During my temporary absence from active political engagement, I have observed with concern attempts by certain individuals, including some non-ODM members, to exploit the situation by prescribing how our Party should negotiate with UDA, including whether or not such negotiations should culminate in a written agreement,” he remarked.

The ODM leader emphasized that the coalition negotiations are serious political processes that will not be executed as public spectacles or through media commentary.

He affirmed that the full implementation of ODM’s 10-point agenda remains a non-negotiable prerequisite for any final agreement with the ruling party.

“Full implementation of the 10-point agenda, among other pressing national priorities, remains a fundamental, non-negotiable pillar of our engagement with UDA. Our commitment to this agenda is absolute,” he said.

Oburu advised political figures outside the party to focus on national issues within their own political vehicles rather than attempting to direct ODM’s strategy.

“I advise those outside ODM to concentrate on the many pressing challenges confronting our country and spare us their unsolicited counsel,” he added, noting that ODM remains fully focused on its political trajectory.

Oburu also expressed gratitude to party members and well-wishers for their support and prayers during his medical recovery, assuring them that he continues to make steady progress.