Oburu fires warning at ‘outsiders’ meddling in ODM-UDA talks

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga/HANDOUT

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has told individuals outside the party to keep off its negotiations with UDA, insisting that the talks will be guided by the party’s interests and the full implementation of the 10-point agenda.

In a statement, Oburu said ODM had established structures and experienced leadership capable of negotiating with UDA without external interference, amid debate over whether the talks should result in a written agreement.

“Let me be unequivocal: 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.

Oburu said he had observed attempts by some individuals, including non-ODM members, to influence how the party should negotiate with UDA during his temporary absence from active political engagement.

“During my temporary absence from active political engagement, I have observed with concern attempts by certain individuals, including some non-ODM members, to exploit the situation by prescribing how our Party should negotiate with UDA, including whether or not such negotiations should culminate in a written agreement,” he said.

He maintained that the negotiations were serious political engagements that should not be turned into public spectacles.

“These negotiations are serious political engagements, not public spectacles to be conducted in the glare of television cameras,” he said.

Oburu further declared that full implementation of the 10-point agenda remained a key condition in ODM’s engagement with UDA.

“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.

He urged those outside the party to focus on the challenges facing the country rather than offering unsolicited advice on ODM’s political direction.

“I advise those outside ODM to concentrate on the many pressing challenges confronting our country and spare us their unsolicited counsel. Any individual or parties seeking political alliances, mergers or coalitions and/or otherwise must restrict their choices to themselves,” he said.

Oburu also thanked Kenyans, ODM members and other supporters for their prayers and goodwill as he continues his recovery, saying he was making steady progress.

“I wish to express my profound gratitude to Kenyans, the ODM fraternity, friends and well-wishers for their prayers, goodwill and unwavering support during my recovery. I assure you that I am making steady progress and remain firmly on the path to full recovery,” he said.

He concluded by affirming the party’s confidence in its leadership and political direction.

“ODM knows where it is going, what it wants and how to get there,” he said.