ODM leaders pledge loyalty to Ruto’s broad-based government after Bondo meeting

The meeting, which brought together party leadership from grassroots to governors, unanimously endorsed the interim party leader Oburu Odinga to steer the party awaiting confirmation from its top organs.

The leaders also vowed to remain in the broad-based government to support President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In what seems to be a calculated move to strengthen the party and maintain its support base, Orange Democratic Movement delegates across the Nyanza region convened an extraordinary meeting in Bondo just days after the burial of their party leader Raila Odinga, in an effort to avert a fallout within the party.

Under the chairmanship of the interim party leader Oburu Odinga, ODM Nyanza officials in one accord agreed to remain in the broad-based government, saying that was the last direction they were given by the late Raila Odinga.

Rosa Buyu, MP Kisumu West, said, “We always told baba that if he asked us to go left, we shall. If he says right, we go right.”

Oburu Odinga said, “We are here not to unite the Luo but also to unite the country. This is the moment to prove that all those we used to tell baba is to remain united in the country.”

During the meeting, Oburu was endorsed to steer ODM as the official party leader pending clearance from top party organs.

Otiende Amollo, MP Rarieda, said, “MPs, governors, MCAs, and the elders — we have today endorsed Oburu Odinga as the party leader awaiting the final endorsement.”

Peter Kaluma, MP Homa Bay Town, said, “We shall remain in ODM, and it shall remain a distinct party which shall advance ahead.”

Tom Ojienda, Senator Kisumu, said, “SR Oburu, unite us, do not scatter. We need to remain together.”

The Bondo meeting was also attended by Siaya and Homa Bay governors James Orengo and Gladys Wanga. Wanga is the party's national chairperson.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of disquiet, with officials seemingly reading from different scripts as regards the future of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.