Oburu, a seasoned politician and elder brother to opposition leader Raila Odinga, praised the new political alignment, stating that it offers unprecedented cooperation between the government and various political factions.
“Our people must know that this government, where we are in the broad-based arrangement, is the best arrangement for us,” Oburu said emphatically.
Drawing from decades of experience, Oburu Speaking at a public event in the capital, Aladwa confidently asserted that ODM remains the dominant political force in Nairobi and will not allow outsiders to dictate the city’s political future.
His statement is being interpreted as an early warning to both Kenya Kwanza and other parties within broad-based gov't, particularly those eyeing political realignments under the unity talks spearheaded by President Ruto and opposition chief Raila Odinga.
With Nairobi being Kenya’s economic hub and a key political battleground, control of the county is seen as a strategic prize ahead of 2027.
Analysts say Aladwa’s remarks could complicate the emerging negotiations between Ruto and Odinga, especially as both sides try to craft a power-sharing framework that accommodates various political players.
If ODM insists on retaining Nairobi as a non-negotiable seat, it could trigger stiff competition within the proposed broad-based arrangement.
Sources within ODM suggest that the party is keen on fronting a strong candidate — possibly a close ally of Raila — to reclaim or retain influence in Nairobi.
Current Governor Johnson Sakaja, elected on a Kenya Kwanza ticket, may therefore face a formidable challenge if ODM rallies behind a single consensus candidate.
MP George George Aladwa’s comments have also reignited debate on the internal dynamics of the opposition, with some leaders from other Azimio affiliate parties warning that ODM must allow open competition rather than issuing directives.
But even as 2027 approaches, the battle for Nairobi appears to have officially begun — and with Raila’s allies now making demands even before formal coalition frameworks are finalized, the coming months promise high-stakes political maneuvering his political engagements under three past administrations—presidents Daniel Arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta—each of whom he worked with in various political coalitions and agreements.
Yet, despite those historical alliances, Oburu maintained that none compare to the current framework.
“I have been in arrangements with Moi. I was in an arrangement with Kibaki. I was in an arrangement with Uhuru. And I can tell you, this is the best arrangement,” he stated.
Oburu underscored the unique access and partnership the current political setup offers, hinting at improved representation for his community and a better avenue for addressing regional development concerns.
“I’m telling you from experience — we have never had a closer relationship with government than this,” he added.
His remarks appear to affirm the increasing collaboration between Raila Odinga's ODM party and President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, despite their historical rivalry.
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