Age Factor
Oburu’s age has increasingly become a point of contention among party members. Compared to his three deputies, he is significantly older, and this generational gap is creating silent friction. A section of younger, more energetic members believes the party needs a fresh, dynamic face to reposition itself nationally. To them, Oburu represents an older political order that may not resonate with today’s electorate, prompting calls for a leadership transition.
Finances and Internal Power Interests
As a national party, ODM controls substantial financial resources. It is widely whispered that an influential inner circle has long benefited from the party’s financial ecosystem. With Oburu at the helm, some fear that long-standing financial arrangements may be disrupted. His leadership introduces uncertainty—particularly for individuals who have historically operated within entrenched networks. For this reason, those profiting from the current system may see him as a threat and could be driving efforts to edge him out.
Pro-Ruto vs. Pro-Opposition Wrangles
ODM is developing ideological fractures. While some members remain firmly in the opposition—figures like Caleb Amisi and Edwin Sifuna—others have grown more aligned with President Ruto’s government. Leaders such as Hassan Joho, Opiyo Wandayi, Junet Mohammed, Gladys Wanga, and Opondo Kaluma are increasingly perceived as leaning toward cooperation with the state. Oburu’s leadership now sits at the center of these tensions, with each faction wary of how his decisions might tilt the party’s direction.
The Odinga Family Dynamics
Rumours in political corridors suggest that the unity within the Odinga family may be strained, particularly after the passing of Raila Odinga. Although much of this remains speculative, some believe that the Oburu and Raila wings of the family may not be perfectly aligned on matters of succession and party strategy. Such perceptions, whether accurate or manipulated, provide ammunition to those seeking to weaken Oburu’s position and justify their push for his removal.
