SIAYA, Kenya — ODM leader Oburu Odinga has assured aspirants seeking the party’s ticket in the 2027 General Election that nominations will be decided by grassroots members rather than political influence from party leaders.
Speaking during a fundraiser for the construction of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Tower at Siaya National Polytechnic, Oburu urged aspirants to concentrate on building support among party members instead of lobbying senior officials for endorsements.
According to the veteran politician, the authority to determine ODM candidates lies with party members at the grassroots and not at the party headquarters.
“Those who want to vie for elective seats on the ODM ticket, do not bother looking for that power at the party headquarters. Look for it at the grassroots,” Oburu said.
“That is where power lies. Power lies at the grassroots and once you get nominated there, you will be our candidate.”
No preferential treatment
Oburu further dismissed suggestions that aspirants could secure nomination advantages through personal connections with influential figures within the party.
He maintained that he would not use his position within the Orange Democratic Movement to influence the outcome of party primaries in favour of any individual candidate.
“Do not depend on any favour from me. I am not going to favour anybody. Nobody is going to hang on my coat,” he said.
“I want everybody to go to the people and get the tickets from them.”
His remarks reinforce ODM’s public commitment to competitive nominations ahead of the 2027 polls, with the party repeatedly indicating that candidates will earn tickets through party primaries rather than direct endorsements.
ODM pushes internal democracy
The party has consistently stated that all aspirants, regardless of political stature, seniority or proximity to the leadership, will be required to seek the mandate of members through transparent nomination exercises.
ODM leaders have previously pledged that there will be no “sacred cows” in the nomination process, promising a level playing field for all contestants.
To address concerns arising from disputes that have characterized some past nomination exercises, the party has tasked its National Elections and Coordinating Committee with developing safeguards aimed at ensuring free, fair and credible primaries.
The party is also preparing to introduce a digital application platform through which aspirants will formally submit requests to contest various elective positions.
At the same time, ODM is reorganising its grassroots structures, including Ward Executive Committees, as part of broader efforts to strengthen internal democracy and improve confidence in the nomination process.
High-stakes battle for party tickets
In Kenya’s political landscape, party nominations are often as fiercely contested as the general election itself, particularly in regions where dominant parties enjoy overwhelming support.
Historically, some aspirants have sought direct nomination certificates through consultations with senior party officials, arguing that consensus candidates help avoid costly and divisive primaries.
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Supporters of direct nominations have often cited opinion polls, political experience, regional balance and electoral strength as justification for such arrangements.
However, the practice has frequently triggered disputes, with rival aspirants arguing that it undermines internal democracy and denies ordinary party members the opportunity to determine their preferred candidates.
Oburu’s remarks are therefore likely to be welcomed by aspirants advocating for competitive primaries as ODM intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election.
