"Hiyo Ndio Tunataka" Senator Omogeni Sounds Alarm as He Disagrees With Oburu Odinga Over ODM Snubbing DP Post in 2027

Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni has publicly challenged remarks by ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga dismissing interest in the deputy president’s position, arguing that the stance weakens the party’s bargaining power in ongoing talks with the President William Ruto-led regime.

Speaking during a local television interview on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Omogeni said that if the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was genuinely engaged in negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), it should be prepared to negotiate for all senior government positions, including that of Deputy President.

The senator expressed strong disagreement with Oburu’s position, stating that such remarks contradict the long-standing political philosophy of ODM’s founding leadership.

Omogeni invoked the legacy of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, suggesting that the veteran opposition figure would be deeply surprised by the party’s current posture.

“If the doyen of opposition politics, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, were alive today, he would hardly believe the position ODM is taking,” Omogeni said. “What exactly is Oburu representing if he says he is not interested in Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s position?”

Omogeni argued that political negotiations, especially those involving power-sharing arrangements, require firmness and clarity of purpose.

According to him, ruling out key offices before talks are concluded weakens ODM’s leverage and raises questions about whose interests are being prioritised.

His remarks come amid intensified political discussions between ODM and UDA, which have sparked debate within the opposition and among the party’s supporters.

While some ODM leaders have framed the talks as issue-based and focused on development and governance, others believe the party should seek stronger representation at the highest levels of government.

On Monday, February 2, 2026, Oburu Odinga reiterated ODM’s position during the issuance of NYOTA Fund grants in Kisumu County, where he appeared alongside President William Ruto.

The Siaya Senator stated that ODM had no intention of removing Deputy President Kithure Kindiki from office, despite growing cooperation between the two parties.

The differing views highlight emerging internal tensions within ODM as it navigates its relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

As negotiations continue, pressure is mounting on the party leadership to clearly define its objectives and reassure supporters about the direction of the talks.