Suna East MP Junet Mohammed has stated that ODM party leader Oburu Odinga is the only one allowed to declare a presidential candidacy on the party's ticket, per the party's constitution. He made the remarks after his sponsored football tournament, criticizing unnamed members who have positioned themselves for the top job. The party plans to act against those attempting to cause divisions.
Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohammed spoke on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in Migori, following his sponsored football tournament. He emphasized that the ODM party's constitution does not permit members to unilaterally declare themselves presidential candidates. "There are some people who are saying the ODM must have a presidential candidate, but according to the party's constitution, the only person who can vie for the presidency is the party leader, and he is the one who will tell us whether he will vie or not," Junet said.
He added, "This is a party of discipline; not everyone can stand up and say that they want to vie for the presidency. Oburu Odinga is the only person who is allowed by our constitution to run for the presidency. We should respect the party."
Junet pledged to defend Oburu and ensure the party stays united, despite opposition from some members. He stated the party would take action against those attempting a 'coup' starting in January. He alleged that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is paying individuals to sow division. "There are some people in the party who are trying to make a coup in our party, and we will deal with them starting from January," he said. "These people are being paid by the former President, called Uhuru Kenyatta, to set up the party, but we want to tell them that if you think Oburu has no one to defend him, you are wrong because we are here for him."
For his part, Oburu Odinga assured that he retains the strength to lead the party and will not allow anyone to undermine its leadership. He affirmed he would hold the ODM leader position firmly, noting his age matches that of America's Trump. The party remains committed to its broad-based arrangement with President William Ruto, in line with the wishes of his late brother Raila Odinga. "I'm not afraid to say that I will not allow myself to be shaken, I'm going to sit on the party leader seat of ODM squarely, and anybody who thinks that Oburu Odinga is about to die soon is seriously mistaken because I'm the same age as Trump of America," Oburu said.
