MIGORI, Kenya — Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed has declared that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga is the only individual permitted to seek the presidency on the party’s ticket, warning that any premature declarations by other members amount to indiscipline and a violation of the party constitution.
Speaking on Saturday, December 27, after a football tournament he sponsored in Migori County, the outspoken lawmaker took aim at unnamed ODM figures whom he accused of positioning themselves as potential challengers to President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“There are some people who are saying the ODM must have a presidential candidate, but according to the party’s constitution, the only person who can vie for the presidency is the party leader,” Junet said. “He is the one who will tell us whether he will vie or not.”
Junet insisted that ODM remains a disciplined party guided by its constitution, arguing that no member has the authority to unilaterally declare a presidential bid.
“This is a party of discipline; not everyone can stand up and say that they want to vie for the presidency.
Oburu Odinga is the only person who is allowed by our constitution to run for the presidency. We should respect the party,” he added.
The remarks come amid growing internal tensions within ODM, with factions sharply divided over the party’s future political direction and its continued cooperation with President Ruto’s administration under the broad-based government arrangement.
Junet maintained that he would firmly defend Oburu’s leadership, describing it as essential to keeping the party united during a sensitive transition period following the death of longtime party leader Raila Odinga.
“Despite the noise, I will be at the forefront of defending Oburu Odinga. That is the only way we can protect the party and keep it intact,” he said.
He further warned that ODM would take decisive action against members he accused of plotting an internal “coup” aimed at destabilising the party leadership.
“There are some people in the party who are trying to make a coup in our party, and we will deal with them starting from January,” Junet declared.
In a dramatic escalation of the accusations, the Suna East MP alleged that former president Uhuru Kenyatta was financing individuals within ODM to sow division and weaken the party’s leadership.
“These people are being paid by the former President, called Uhuru Kenyatta, to set up the party,” Junet claimed. “But if they think Oburu has no one to defend him, they are wrong because we are here for him.”
Uhuru has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Speaking alongside Junet, Oburu Odinga struck a defiant tone, assuring supporters that he remains firmly in control of the party and capable of steering it through the ongoing turbulence.
“I’m not afraid to say that I will not allow myself to be shaken. I’m going to sit on the party leader seat of ODM squarely,” Oburu said. “Anybody who thinks that Oburu Odinga is about to die soon is seriously mistaken.”
In a characteristically blunt remark, Oburu dismissed speculation about his age and capacity, drawing a comparison with U.S. President Donald Trump.
“I’m the same age as Trump of America,” he said, prompting cheers from supporters.
Oburu also pledged to protect what he described as the solid legacy built by his late brother, Raila Odinga, stressing that he would not allow internal wrangles to dismantle the party’s reputation.
He reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to the broad-based government arrangement with President Ruto, saying the decision reflects the wishes and political vision of the former prime minister.
“The party will remain committed to the broad-based arrangement with President William Ruto, as per the wishes of my late brother,” Oburu said.
ODM has in recent weeks been rocked by public disagreements among senior leaders, including criticism of the party’s cooperation with the government and counter-accusations of betrayal from both sides of the divide.
Political analysts say the latest statements underscore a deeper struggle over succession, strategy and identity within ODM as the 2027 elections draw closer, with the question of whether the party fields its own presidential candidate or backs an alliance partner increasingly shaping internal battles.
For now, Junet and his allies have drawn a clear red line: any presidential ambition within ODM, they insist, must begin and end with Oburu Odinga.
