Oburu Urges David Ochieng to Join ODM, Pledges 2027 Governor Backing

ODM leader Dr Oburu Odinga has urged Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) leader David Ochieng to dissolve his party and join ODM, promising to support his bid for the Siaya governorship in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at a public event in Siaya, Oburu said ODM would fully back Ochieng if he joined the party. "We will receive him with two hands and ensure he becomes the governor of Siaya," he said.

The appeal comes as ODM weighs its options for succeeding Governor James Orengo, whose relationship with the party has become increasingly strained. Orengo, who was elected in 2022, has indicated that he intends to contest the presidency in 2027, leaving the party to manage a competitive succession race in Siaya.

The contest is shaped by longstanding political expectations within the county. Cornel Rasanga from Alego Usonga served two terms as governor before Orengo from Ugenya was elected. With Orengo preparing to pursue national politics, many voters in Ugenya expect the next governor to come from their area.

Several leaders are already being mentioned as possible candidates. Kenya Sugar Board chair Eng Nicolas Gumbo and Siaya County Assembly Speaker George Okode, both from Rarieda, are regarded as strong ODM contenders. 

However, their candidacies could reduce support from Ugenya, leading to speculation that Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi from Ugunja or Ugenya MP David Ochieng may offer a more acceptable alternative. Oburu's support for Ochieng marks a shift from his earlier endorsement of Gumbo's gubernatorial ambitions. 

Addressing party members during a recent fundraising event in Siaya town, he said ODM would not impose candidates from the national leadership and that nominations would be decided by voters at the grassroots. He also called on former ODM members who left the party after disputed nominations to return, saying every aspirant would be required to seek support directly from the electorate. 

"This time around, I will not let anyone hang on my coat. You have to go to the people and seek their mandate," he said.

Despite the invitation, Ochieng has maintained that he will contest the governorship on an MDG ticket, signalling that he has no plans to dissolve his party or join ODM.

The event was organised by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) and attended by several regional leaders, including CS Wandayi, Gem MP Elisha Ochieng, Bondo MP Dr Gedion Ochanda and Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi. 

The leaders commended President William Ruto's administration for reforms in the education sector, including the recruitment of more than 100,000 teachers and increased funding for education.