ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga’s declaration that the party will not surrender its strongholds has injected fresh tension into the evolving “broad-based” political arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Even as ODM engages President William Ruto’s UDA in coalition talks, Oburu’s message delivered during the Special Delegates Convention at Jamhuri Grounds is clear: negotiations will not come at the expense of ODM’s political dominance in its traditional strongholds.
This comes at a critical moment for Turkana politics.
Just days ago, Turkana North MP and ODM 2027 gubernatorial hopeful, Hon. Ekwom Nabuin, held talks with Oburu in Nairobi, signaling ODM’s intention to strengthen its grassroots presence in the county.
Meanwhile, Turkana South MP and ODM National Deputy Chairperson, Hon. Ariko Namoit, has also declared his intention to contest for the gubernatorial seat in 2027, setting the stage for a competitive ODM nomination race.
On the other hand, Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, who won the 2022 gubernatorial seat on an ODM ticket, has firmly declared that he will seek re-election under UDA. His move aligns him directly with President Ruto and sets up a potential political showdown.
Loima MP Dr. Protus Akujah, a member of UDA, has also openly declared his intention to unseat Governor Lomorukai in the 2027 race. However, his recent association with the UDM party has left uncertainty over which political vehicle he will ultimately use, further complicating the contest between the two political heavyweights and likely triggering nominations for the top seat ahead of the General Election.
Turkana Senator James Lomenen has also declared his bid for the governorship on a Jubilee Party ticket, positioning himself as the sole candidate from the United Opposition bloc for now.
The emerging reality raises a fundamental question: Can a “broad-based government” truly hold at the national level while intense political rivalries play out at the county level?
In Turkana, the answer may already be unfolding. What appears as unity in Nairobi could translate into a bruising contest on the ground, where loyalty, party identity, and local influence will ultimately determine the outcome.
Political analysts argue that the unfolding scenario in Turkana reflects a broader national trend, where cooperation at the top does not necessarily translate into unity at the grassroots.
For instance, during the 2022 General Election, the Azimio coalition led by Raila Odinga’s ODM and former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party fielded separate gubernatorial interests in Turkana. This resulted in a three way contest involving Jeremiah Lomorukai of ODM, John Munyes of Jubilee, and John Lodepe of UDA.
With both ODM and UDA unwilling to surrender control of key regions, the 2027 race is likely to be defined not just by alliances, but by how effectively each side mobilizes local support.
In Turkana, where political loyalty and grassroots networks remain decisive, the so called broad based arrangement may ultimately be tested at the ballot, turning the county into one of the most closely watched political battlegrounds in the next General Election.
