ELDORET — In the heart of Uasin Gishu, a region once considered hostile territory for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Dr. Oburu Oginga stepped out of his late brother’s shadow on Monday to deliver a message that silenced weeks of speculation: The handshake lives on.

Standing before a charged crowd of delegates and residents, the acting ODM Party Leader did not mince words. His mission was to dispel the murmurs that the opposition outfit would pull out of President William Ruto’s administration following the death of Raila Odinga in October. For the traders in Eldoret town and the farmers in the periphery, this assurance translates to one crucial commodity: stability.

“Sisi sio chama ya kubanduka (We are not a party that defects),” Oburu declared, his voice carrying a familiar cadence that resonated with the crowd. “Just as Raila left us in the broad-based government, we will work with President Ruto until the end of 2027. Our party is not one to walk away.”

The 'Broad-Based' Anchor

The significance of this visit cannot be overstated. Since the formation of the "broad-based government"—a political ceasefire engineered by President Ruto and the late Raila Odinga to quell civil unrest—investors and citizens alike have been watching for cracks in the coalition. Oburu’s presence in Eldoret, hosted by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, serves as a strategic anchor.

By publicly recommitting to the pact, Oburu has effectively guaranteed that the political temperature will remain manageable through the midterm. For the average Kenyan, this signals a continuation of business without the disruption of maandamano (protests) that characterized the early years of the administration.

Accompanied by ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, Oburu emphasized that the partnership was not merely a survival tactic but a legacy project. “This is the first time we are in Eldoret since my brother Raila passed on,” he noted somberly. “I want to urge you, let us go on with the work of uniting Kenyans as envisioned by Raila.”

A New Era, Same Mission

The visit also highlighted the shifting dynamics in the Rift Valley. Governor Bii’s reception of the ODM delegation suggests a thawing of relations that could reshape the 2027 electoral map. Political analysts view this as a move to consolidate the Luo community’s support within the cosmopolitan county, ensuring their interests are protected under the current administration.

Gladys Wanga, the Homa Bay Governor, reinforced this narrative of inclusivity. She lauded the unity brought about by the coalition, stating that leaders who sought to divide Kenyans "had no part in the country." Her sentiments were echoed by Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who projected the image of a party that has matured from agitation to governance.

The Numbers Game

Beyond the high-level politics, Oburu pivoted to the bread-and-butter issue of numbers. With the 2027 General Election on the horizon, he issued a stern directive to the youth regarding voter registration. The call to action reflects the party's anxiety over voter apathy, a trend that could undermine their bargaining power in the future coalition matrix.

• Voter Apathy: Oburu warned that cheering at rallies without a voter's card is futile.
• Youth Engagement: "Vijana, naomba mchukue kura msiwe tu watu wakusema ODM bila kura (Youth, please get your votes; don't just be people who chant ODM without votes)," he urged.
• Strategic Alignment: The push for registration is seen as preparation for a joint ticket or a strong bargaining position in 2027.

As the meeting concluded, the message was clear: ODM is not retreating. Instead, it is entrenching itself within the government, betting that stability and cooperation will yield better returns for its base than opposition. For now, the political marriage between the orange and the yellow holds firm.