NAIROBI, Kenya – ODM leader Oburu Oginga has insisted that the full implementation of the 10-point agenda remains non-negotiable in the party’s engagement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), as he pushed back against attempts by outsiders to influence the negotiations.
In a statement dated October 29, 2026, Oburu said ODM had established structures and experienced leadership capable of determining its negotiating position, including deciding whether the talks should culminate in a formal written agreement.
His remarks come amid debate within political circles over the terms of a possible ODM-UDA coalition arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Oburu accused some individuals, including people who are not members of ODM, of exploiting his temporary absence from active political engagement to prescribe how the party should conduct its negotiations.
“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,” he said.
He did not identify the individuals he accused of interfering in the process.
10-point agenda at the centre of negotiations
Oburu maintained that ODM’s engagement with UDA must be measured against the implementation of the 10-point agenda, which was agreed upon by President Ruto and the late former ODM leader Raila Odinga following the National Dialogue Committee process.
He described full implementation of the agenda as a fundamental condition of the party’s engagement with the ruling coalition.
“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.
The agenda covers key national issues, including electoral reforms, governance, the cost of living, inclusivity and other concerns that emerged during the political dialogue between the two sides.
Oburu’s latest statement reinforces ODM’s position that its negotiations should focus on delivering these commitments rather than being driven solely by discussions about political alliances or government positions.
Written agreement debate
The ODM leader also addressed the question of whether the negotiations should result in a written agreement, saying the decision belonged to the party’s recognised leadership structures.
He cautioned against turning the discussions into public confrontations, arguing that serious political engagements should be conducted through appropriate channels.
“These negotiations are serious political engagements, not public spectacles to be conducted in the glare of television cameras,” he said.
The question of a formal agreement has featured prominently in discussions about the future relationship between ODM and UDA, particularly as the parties consider a possible pre-election arrangement.
In August, ODM’s proposed negotiating priorities included policy commitments for a joint manifesto and discussions on electoral zoning, among other issues.
Oburu’s latest remarks, however, did not specify the proposed terms of a final agreement or give a timeline for concluding the negotiations.
Oburu speaks amid recovery
The statement also provided an update on Oburu’s recovery, with the Siaya Senator thanking Kenyans, ODM members, friends and well-wishers for their support.
He said he was making steady progress and remained focused on returning to full health.
“I assure you that I am making steady progress and remain firmly on the path to full recovery,” he said.
Despite his temporary absence from active political engagement, Oburu maintained that ODM’s leadership and internal structures remained capable of managing the party’s affairs.
He also invoked ODM’s political history, saying the party had made sacrifices for the country’s development and stability and would continue contributing to national progress.
He urged individuals outside the party to focus on Kenya’s challenges rather than attempt to dictate ODM’s political decisions.
“I advise those outside ODM to concentrate on the many pressing challenges confronting our country and spare us their unsolicited counsel,” he said.
Oburu’s statement places the 10-point agenda firmly at the centre of ODM’s stated negotiating position, while leaving the party’s leadership to determine the structure and eventual outcome of its engagement with UDA.
