Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has unapologetically declared his allegiance to President William Ruto’s administration despite growing outrage from opposition leaders who accuse him of betrayal.
Speaking at an emotional memorial service in Luo-Nyanza, Oburu made it clear he has no regrets. “The very same people who shunned us when we backed Raila are now telling us to abandon Ruto and return to the opposition? Not happening!” he said, his voice cutting through a stunned crowd.
“We told them Raila was the right man. They rejected him. Now that we’re speaking to the same Ruto, they want us to join them in the streets? That’s hypocrisy!” Oburu added, drawing both applause and gasps from attendees.
The 2027 Equation: ‘Let’s Talk When the Work Is Done’
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, Oburu didn’t mince words.
“If they truly believe in Raila’s 2027 bid, let them wait. We’ll negotiate then after we’ve delivered for our people,” he said, taking a swipe at opposition figures who question the intentions of ODM leaders now working with the government.
Oburu insisted that the broad-based administration was about development, not political calculations for 2027.
Joining the chorus was Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, who dismissed the notion that the handshake with Ruto was about elections.
“When we met the President, 2027 didn’t come up. We’re focused on development roads, water, electricity. That’s what our people need now,” Kajwang said.
‘Ruto Must Go’ Chants? Not Here, Says Atandi
Alego-Usonga MP Samuel Atandi delivered a stern warning to local ODM supporters tempted to join the anti-Ruto protests.
“Those ‘Ruto Must Go’ chants? Leave that to the bitter politicians. We’re here working for the people, not playing street politics,” Atandi stated firmly.
Atandi made it personal, calling out rivals who lost seats to him and Treasury CS John Mbadi. “They’re the ones shouting. We’re the ones delivering.”
The Spoils of the New Deal
Since ODM members began aligning with Ruto’s broader government, the rewards have been pouring in.
Oburu now chairs the Senate’s powerful energy committee, replacing Nyeri Senator Wamatinga, a known ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This comes after the infamous political falling-out between Gachagua and President Ruto.
Oburu recently accompanied the President on a high-profile state visit to China, solidifying his position in the inner circle of power.
Meanwhile, Atandi has taken over the influential budget and appropriations committee in the National Assembly—ousting Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, a key Ruto ally.
Cracks in ODM?
As murmurs grow within the Orange party over the newfound alliance with the Kenya Kwanza regime, insiders warn that the Raila-Ruto pact could unravel ahead of 2027.
For now, Oburu and his allies are standing their ground insisting they are fighting for development, not desertion.
But in Kenya’s ever-volatile political theatre, one thing is clear: the game has changed.
And not everyone is happy about it.
