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ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has criticized leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) who are against his leadership, cautioning that party members must follow rules or face losing their roles.

Oburu stated that individuals who openly criticize the party’s policies while occupying high-ranking roles in ODM should not anticipate continuing to receive benefits within the organization.

Speaking during a rally in Kisumu on Sunday, the leader of the ODM party stood by his leadership, rejecting assertions that his age had reduced his political power.

“Those who are saying ‘Linda something else’ are our people. They are members of our party. However, they have overlooked one point, that in a democracy, there needs to be discipline,” Oburu stated.

You can’t simply oppose the party’s policies and still hope to hold a high position within the same party. You can’t. You believe we are weak. You think Oburu is old. You think Oburu is weak. I can assure you I am not weak..”

Oburu cautioned members who disagreed with the party that although the organization was willing to accept those returning from elsewhere, they would not instantly regain powerful roles when they came back.

Old is gold. Indeed. And you all should be aware of that.. If they wish to fly, they are free to do so. However, if they want to return to the gathering, we will allow them back, but they must understand that when they arrive, they will come with a restrained attitude,” he said.

And they cannot believe that they will begin from the top. They will not start from the top..”

This follows a day after Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi made new requests to Oburu’s supporters, stating that the “Linda Mwananchi” group will only confront the opposing “Linda Ground” faction if certain requirements are fulfilled.

Osotsi stated that the Linda Ground group had caused splits within the party and affected ODM’s collaboration with the governing administration.

“The Linda Mwananchi team did not create conflicts and chaos within ODM. It is the Linda Ground that is responsible for it,” Osotsi stated.

“They are the ones who expelled Sifuna, they are the ones who expelled Osotsi, and they are also the ones who compelled ODM to collaborate with UDA,” he added.

The senator stated that the Linda Mwananchi camp is now prepared for discussions, but solely under rigorous conditions designed to reinstate accountability and internal democracy within the party.

“And thus, as Linda Mwananchi, we are stating that if you wish for us to engage in conversation with you, Linda Ground, we must set certain conditions,” he announced.

Osotsi presented five requirements that he claimed must be resolved prior to any discussions on reconciliation.

The initial request, he stated, was the creation of what he referred to as an independent investigation into the political “death” of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

“First, we are stating that we need an independent investigation into the death of Raila Odinga,” he said.

Osotsi also urged the Linda Ground group to openly admit what he termed the government’s inability to carry out the 10-point plan that was agreed with Raila.

The senator also urged the immediate termination of any scheduled political alliance between ODM and the governing party.

“Three, the intended agreement with UDA must be halted right away,” he stated.

Osotsi also pushed for openness about internal party decisions, including actions he alleged were directed against him and Edwin Sifuna.

“Four, all the choices they have taken, including the decision to remove Sifuna as secretary general and me, must be undone,” he stated.

The senator from Vihiga also demanded new elections within ODM, asserting that the Linda Mwananchi group currently has significant local backing.