Reports that a faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led by interim party leader Oburu Odinga is demanding Ksh15 billion from President William Ruto have triggered intense debate within Kenya’s political circles.
According to the reports, Oburu has formally forwarded a Sh15 billion budget proposal to State House aimed at financing an ambitious political realignment between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
While allies of the faction describe the move as pragmatic political strategy meant to secure ODM’s relevance and bargaining power within government, critics argue it marks a dramatic shift from opposition politics and could fundamentally redefine the party’s identity.
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The Political Calculus Behind the Sh15 Billion Proposal
The Oburu-led faction insists that ODM must undertake a costly nationwide restructuring effort if it is to remain competitive in a post-Raila political era. The Sh15 billion proposal reportedly outlines a broad mobilization strategy designed to rebrand the party, consolidate grassroots networks, and popularize Ruto in ODM’s traditional strongholds as well as swing regions.
Party insiders say the plan is built on the belief that a formal pre-election pact with UDA cannot rely solely on high-level negotiations but must be backed by visible, countrywide political groundwork.
The proposed budget allocates funds toward nationwide tours, media campaigns, internal restructuring, delegate coordination, coalition negotiations, and grassroots mobilization. Supporters argue that without significant financial investment, ODM risks fragmentation and marginalization in 2027.
Financing Nationwide Tours and Grassroots Control
A significant portion of the funds — approximately Sh5 billion — is earmarked for county tours under the “Linda Ground” banner spearheaded by Oburu. The tours would fund rallies, logistics, venue bookings, mobilization drives, and allowances for elected leaders backing the broad-based government arrangement.
Governors, senators, and Members of Parliament aligned with the faction are reportedly set to receive monthly facilitation of Sh1 million, while Members of County Assembly would receive Sh300,000. The tours would also include distribution of branded merchandise, sponsorship of sporting tournaments, and funding of community initiatives such as school fees, medical assistance, and harambees.
The proposal further allocates Sh3 billion for transport and logistics, including helicopters, buses, lorries, branded vehicles, and advanced public address systems. Luxury accommodation and premium logistical arrangements are also factored in to project authority and political strength.
Security arrangements are budgeted at Sh1 billion, with plans to hire former elite officers to protect party officials during high-profile engagements. Another Sh2 billion is set aside for billboards across major towns featuring images of Oburu and Ruto, symbolizing political unity between ODM and UDA.
An additional Sh1 billion would go toward media campaigns across television, radio, print, and digital platforms, aimed at reshaping public perception and countering what the faction describes as reputational damage.
Securing Internal Power and Neutralising Dissent
Beyond external mobilization, the proposal also seeks to strengthen internal control within ODM. The upcoming National Delegates Convention in Nairobi is expected to cost at least Sh15 million in logistics alone, with delegates receiving Sh15,000 allowances in addition to accommodation and transport facilitation.
The convention is anticipated to deliberate on the party’s future direction and could ratify significant leadership changes, including the formal removal of Senator Edwin Sifuna as secretary general and confirmation of Catherine Omanyo in the role.
The faction is also seeking delegate approval for Oburu to lead formal coalition negotiations, potentially paving the way for ODM’s withdrawal from the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party.
However, critics within ODM, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other reformist voices, argue that the heavy financial allocations could be aimed at influencing delegate outcomes and suppressing dissent. Rival “Linda Mwananchi” rallies have signaled grassroots resistance to the ODM-UDA alignment, intensifying internal tensions.
The budget also reportedly includes Sh2 billion for grassroots registration and internal elections, Sh500 million to open offices in 30 counties and 180 constituencies, and Sh3 billion to support elected leaders backing the proposed coalition, enabling them to fund local initiatives and reinforce political loyalty.
A High-Stakes Gamble
Politically, the Sh15 billion proposal underscores what analysts describe as a high-stakes gamble. Oburu and his allies appear convinced that aligning with Ruto could secure access to state power, stabilize ODM’s internal structure, and shield it from splintering in a competitive post-Raila landscape.
Opponents, however, warn that reliance on executive goodwill could dilute ODM’s ideological independence and weaken its long-term bargaining position.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the unfolding developments highlight deep fractures within ODM and signal a potentially transformative chapter in Kenya’s political realignments.