Speaking in Kisumu during a consultative meeting bringing together branch officials and grassroots leaders, Oburu dismissed claims that he is too old to lead, insisting experience remains valuable.
“You think we are weak. You think Oburu is old. You think Oburu is weak. I can assure you I am not weak. Old is gold,” Oburu said.
He accused leaders aligned to the Linda Mwananchi faction of violating party rules and going against the direction of the current ODM leadership, but said the door remains open for those who want to return.
“If they want to fly they can fly, but if they want to come back to the party we can admit them. But they must know they must come with a coiled tail. They will not start from the top,” he said.
National Treasury CS John Mbadi, who attended the meeting, urged ODM members to prioritise unity, saying it is the best way to honour Raila’s legacy.
“There is no legacy of Raila you will protect if you don’t protect the unity of ODM… make sure ODM remains solid, remains one and remains strong,” Mbadi said.
Oburu also defended ODM’s engagement with President William Ruto’s administration, insisting working closely with government does not mean the party has abandoned its role of holding the state to account.
“Our party has a long history… It was started by Jaramogi and we are continuing with the same path… It is like River Nile, we shall reach there whether they like it or not,” he said.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga said the party remains focused on strengthening its grassroots networks and unity.
“ODM is an indivisible party,” Wanga said.
ODM leaders at the meeting also called for measures to lower fuel prices, saying high pump prices continue to burden Kenyans
