"You Can’t Go to Singapore Without Pawaa" Oburu’s Sharp Jab at Gachagua, Claims he Can't Leave Power

Oburu Oginga, a senior figure in Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has strongly defended the party’s participation in the broad-based government, dismissing calls to abandon the arrangement as misguided and divisive.

Speaking amid growing political tension, Oburu appeared to take a swipe at Rigathi Gachagua, criticizing what he described as “shareholding politics” that risks fragmenting the country along self-interest lines.

“How can I leave power (Broad-Based Government) to go and look for shareholders? To people who are dividing this country with shareholding?” Oburu posed.

Oburu emphasized that ODM remains committed to the current broad-based government framework, signaling stability within the party’s leadership despite rising pressure from different political quarters.

“We are not going to go outside of this broad-based arrangement,” he stated firmly.

His remarks suggest ODM is keen on maintaining its influence within government rather than shifting to alliances that may be driven by political expediency.

Without naming him directly in every instance, Oburu’s comments were widely interpreted as targeting Gachagua’s recent political messaging, which has been framed around regional and political “shareholding.”

Oburu warned that such rhetoric could deepen divisions and undermine national unity, particularly at a time when Kenya faces pressing economic and social challenges.

“No Pawaaaa” Jab

In a lighter yet pointed moment, Oburu delivered a metaphor that quickly caught public attention:

“You cannot go to Singapore when you do not have pawaaaaa!”

The remark, blending humor with criticism, appeared to question the capacity and preparedness of leaders pushing alternative political formations.

Oburu’s statements highlight the ongoing realignment within Kenyan politics, as leaders position themselves ahead of future electoral contests.

ODM’s continued backing of the broad-based government signals a strategy focused on influence from within, rather than opposition from outside.

At the same time, the sharp criticism of “shareholding politics” underscores deepening ideological and strategic differences between key political players, particularly between ODM-aligned leaders and those associated with Gachagua’s camp.

As the political landscape evolves, such exchanges are likely to shape alliances, narratives, and voter perceptions in the months ahead.