ODM leaders clash over written deal with Ruto as Oburu urges party discipline

NAIROBI, Kenya – ODM leaders are at odds over the terms of their relationship with President William Ruto’s administration, with Deputy Party Leaders Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Nassir demanding specific power-sharing conditions. In contrast, ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga insists negotiations should adhere to established structures.

While some senior officials advocate for a negotiated deal with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to protect ODM’s interests, Oburu maintains that the broad-based government is already functioning through existing structures and that discussions are ongoing. During celebrations honoring the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Arati and Nassir outlined their demands for ODM to engage Ruto’s administration.

Arati insisted that any cooperation with UDA must be based on clear conditions, dismissing calls for the party to enter a partnership without setting terms. He emphasized that ODM remains intact and retains its national appeal, even as some members have departed. Nassir, Mombasa Governor, further declared the party’s intention to secure the Deputy President’s position in any future political arrangement with UDA and field candidates for all elective positions.

However, Oburu cautioned party members against making public declarations that could interfere with ongoing negotiations, emphasizing that ODM entered the broad-based government intentionally based on its structures and political objectives. Oburu also disclosed that a technical team was working on the party’s constitution and policies, with a separate coalition negotiating team expected to be formed before February 2027.

He urged party members to maintain discipline and follow the leadership’s guidance as negotiations progress, warning against pronouncements made outside established party structures.