Second Liberation Veterans Back Oburu Oginga as ODM Party Leader, Endorse Coalition Talks with UDA
Veterans of Kenya’s Second Liberation have issued a statement endorsing key resolutions passed by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership, including the appointment of Dr. Oburu Oginga as the party’s substantive leader and the decision to open pre-election coalition talks with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
In a statement read by ODM Veteran Chairman, Thomas Nduku on Thursday, the veterans said they fully support resolutions adopted by the ODM Central Management Committee (CMC) and the National Governing Council (NGC), terming them lawful, consultative and in line with the party’s constitution.
The veterans reaffirmed their “fervent and total support” for Dr. Oburu Oginga to take over party leadership following the death of long-time ODM leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, whom they described as a beloved icon of Kenya’s democratic struggle.
They questioned the resistance emerging within some party quarters, noting that the declaration of Dr. Oburu as party leader was made by the same top decision-making organs now facing internal dissent.
“As Second Liberation warriors, we cannot understand why there should be controversy over resolutions lawfully passed by the Central Management Committee and approved by the National Governing Council,” the statement read.
To resolve the emerging disagreements, the veterans called on ODM members to exercise patience, tolerance and open-mindedness, and to respect party structures and decisions reached through established processes.
The statement also welcomed a “ground-breaking” resolution passed during the CMC meeting held in Vipingo, Kilifi County, on January 12, 2026, which sanctioned pre-election coalition talks with UDA. The veterans said the move reflects ODM’s long-standing tradition of coalition politics and strategic engagement.
They described the decision as timely and consistent with the late Raila Odinga’s unmatched legacy in coalition-building and grassroots mobilisation, noting that ODM’s political history has been shaped by alliances such as NARC, CORD, NASA and Azimio.
The veterans cautioned against calls for a “go-it-alone” strategy, warning that such an approach would likely lead to electoral defeat in 2027. They argued that coalition politics remains critical for electoral success and investor confidence in the next government.
“Our conviction as veterans is that coalition politics is good news for the country and for the next government. Any other approach risks electoral disaster,” they said.
Expressing full confidence in ODM’s leadership, the veterans urged party members to rally behind Dr. Oburu Oginga as he leads what they described as complex but necessary coalition negotiations, including the planned talks with UDA.
They dismissed critics promoting the “Wantam” slogan over coalition-building, calling on ODM supporters to reject divisive rhetoric and ethnic-based politics. The veterans praised Dr. Oburu for his experience, inclusivity and commitment to issue-based leadership.
Drawing from their own history of resistance against authoritarianism during the Moi era, as well as experiences of post-election violence and police brutality in 2013 and 2017, the veterans said early and structured coalition arrangements are essential to safeguarding national stability.
“As Kenyans who sacrificed for social and political reform, we know that unity, dialogue and coalition-building are not optional they are necessary for the future of our democracy,” the statement concluded.
