Speaking at a funeral in Siaya County on Friday, January 9, 2026, Oburu dismissed claims that his leadership was not legitimate.
He emphasized that any disagreements should be raised within the formal party structures, rather than aired publicly.
“I challenge those who are saying that I am not validly elected. I challenge them to meet me in the National Delegates Conference, which I shall convene very soon,” Oburu stated.
The meeting fueled speculation about a potential leadership contest, with Babu Owino openly expressing his ambition to lead the party, declaring, “After Baba, it is Babu.”
Owino argued that the party lacked proper procedures for appointing new leadership and called for an immediate NDC to determine ODM’s future direction.
“What we are asking is that an NDC meeting be called with immediate effect in ODM. There was no procedure whatsoever in getting the new leadership of ODM in place,” he said.
In response, Oburu confirmed that he would convene an NDC soon to address internal divisions and stabilize the party.
He insisted that the forum would provide the proper platform to resolve disputes over leadership and strategic direction.
Oburu also refuted suggestions that his political achievements within the party were primarily driven by the late Raila Odinga, highlighting his personal involvement in critical negotiations between ODM and the government of President William Ruto.
He said he chaired discussions that led to the appointment of several senior ODM figures, including Opiyo Wandayi, John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, and Wycliffe Oparanya, to government positions.
“I want to assure those who are saying it was only Raila who could handle it and that Oburu does not know anything about it,” he added.
“In all meetings of the broad-based arrangement with Ruto, I have been the chairperson, including those that appointed Wandayi, Mbadi, and Joho to the cabinet.”
Looking ahead, Oburu stated that ODM plans to engage in negotiations to renew its partnership with Ruto’s administration this year.
He said the party was forming a negotiation team to discuss terms with current coalition partners and explore alternative political alliances if talks fail.
“I am telling you that it will not be a very easy negotiation. It is going to be tough, and we are going to get what our share should be, and this share depends on our unity and your membership in the party,” Oburu said.
Oburu further stressed that ODM is prepared to contest the next elections independently if coalition talks collapse.
He announced that in such a scenario, he would automatically become the party’s presidential candidate, reaffirming his leadership position within the party.
The NDC, when convened, is expected to be the main arena where ODM members will formally discuss leadership legitimacy, internal cohesion, and the party’s strategic direction ahead of the 2027 elections.