Oburu Odinga has dismissed reports suggesting that the Orange Democratic Movement has suspended coalition talks with the United Democratic Alliance.
Speaking in Kisumu on Friday, April 17, Oburu clarifies that while there is goodwill between the two parties, no formal negotiations have begun.
“I am in a good relationship with the president, who is the leader of UDA. We cannot stop what has started. Our negotiations with UDA have not started. We have not even formed the negotiating teams,” he says.
His remarks follow widespread reports claiming that ODM’s Central Committee had halted talks with UDA over alleged disagreements.
Oburu terms the claims as baseless and misleading, noting that there are no structured discussions in place to suspend.
On political zoning, he criticises sections of the UDA leadership for what he describes as attempts to encroach on ODM strongholds, urging restraint as parties explore possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“We do not want to compete with people we are going into partnership with. But President William Ruto should discipline some of the officials of his party,” he states.
During the briefing, Oburu also addresses internal party matters, particularly speculation about presidential ambitions within ODM.
He dismisses such discussions, stating that the party’s constitution already designates its leader as the presidential candidate if ODM chooses to field one.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that our constitution already has a presidential candidate for our party… and that presidential candidate is the party leader,” he says.
He adds that anyone seeking to run for the presidency under ODM outside this framework should consider joining another party.
The statement underscores ongoing political realignments as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.