Ni pawa tu!: Oburu jokes after meeting ODM MPs
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga has jokingly reiterated his commitment to lead the party to capture power in the 2027 general election.
In a statement posted on his social media account following the party’s parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Siaya Senator
You might also like
Oburu alluded to a phrase he has popularised over the last few months while drumming support for a pre-election deal with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“Ni pawaaa tu!” Oburu wrote on Facebook, accompanying the statement with a photo taken at the event showing him with Vihiga Senator, who is also the party’s deputy leader, Godfrey Osotsi.
The meeting, held at Parliament Buildings, brought together ODM Members of Parliament as well as Senators at a time when the party is facing significant challenges with rival factions emerging.
Political charm offensive
Oburu has been on a political blitz across the country, churning out political slogans as he rallies his troops behind Ruto’s reelection bid.
Blending humour with raw politics and infusing his experience, the 82-year-old has become an internet sensation of sorts.
Among his most popular slogans is “Tunataka pawa”, a statement he has frequently used to assert that his party has every intention of capturing power, including the DP slot currently occupied by Kindiki, the party leader rallied ODM supporters behind.
“Hatuwezi kuwa bila power. Ni lazima tupate power. (We want power),” Oburu asserted.
The statement came after Oburu sparked confusion during an event in Kisumu in which he stated that ODM was not interested in Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s seat, despite the party initially laying claim to the seat as it continues to engage other political players.
Oburu Odinga’s viral moments
The Siaya Senator also produced another viral moment in Mombasa on February 15, 2026, while addressing a Linda Ground rally in Mombasa, as he dismissed the rival ODM faction and those not supporting his quest to lead the party into a cooperation arrangement with Ruto.
While holding the skin on his face just below the eye and bulging his eyes, Oburu dismissed those whom he claimed wanted to pull the party backwards, blending humour with raw politics.
“Those who want to pull us backwards, we tell them ng’oooooo,” Oburu said as he urged the crowd to join him in dismissing.
