Speaking during a public rally in Busia, Siaya Governor James Orengo said ODM’s position remains focused on the welfare of ordinary Kenyans rather than the pursuit of political seats.
“Baba Raila Odinga alisema hatutaki viti, tunataka wananchi wapate haki zao,” Orengo said, adding that the party remains concerned about unemployment and the state of the economy.
“Sasa tunasema hatuwezi kuingia kwa UDA kamwe, kamwe, kamwe.”
Orengo further said ODM must remain politically independent and field its own presidential candidate.
“ODM ndio inaweza kutengeneza serikali,” he said, adding that, “Hakuna mtu atatulazimisha kuingia kwa serikali ambayo hatukubaliani nayo.”
He insisted that the party must field its own candidate
“ODM lazima ikuwe na presidential candidate.”
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna said the party cannot be forced into any political arrangement it does not support.
Addressing pressure directed at him to toe the party line, Sifuna said calls for him to remain silent or be removed from the party were misplaced.
“Wanasema Sifuna anyamaze ama afurushwe kwa chama,” he said.
Sifuna clarified that a previous agreement involving ODM and UDA did not provide for a coalition or any extension beyond its stated terms.
“Huo mkataba uko na sahihi mbili pekee, ya Rais William Ruto na Mheshimiwa Raila Odinga,” he said.
“We did not provide for any extension of that agreement.”
He added that the committee formed under the agreement is expected to submit its final report by March 7, 2026.
“Date ya mwisho ambayo ile kamati iliteuliwa inafaa itupatie ripoti ya mwisho ni Machi 7, 2026,” Sifuna said.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyoka questioned claims that ODM lacks credible presidential contenders, saying the party has sufficient leadership depth.
“Party leader wa ODM Oburu anasema ati hatuwezi toa president, kwani hapa hawa watoshi?” Onyoka asked.
“Si kuna Sifuna hapa? Si tuko na Babu hapa?”
Onyoka also raised concerns over unresolved issues in the sugar sector, particularly Mumias and Nzoia sugar factories, saying communities in western Kenya were demanding accountability before any engagement with ODM.
“The people of Busia have said that before you can discuss anything with ODM, first tell them what you did in Mumias and Nzoia Sugar,” Onyoka said, adding that “a government that cannot take care of its vulnerable citizens has no business being in office.”
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino said leaders who speak out should not be intimidated.
“Hatuna woga, hata wakitufukuza tuko tayari kurudi kwa by-election,” Babu said, adding that ODM must remain true to its founding ideals.
“Chama ya ODM lazima iendelee mahali baba aliachia.”
