Speaking during a football tournament he sponsored on Saturday, December 27, 2025, Junet criticized unnamed party members who had prematurely positioned themselves to contest the presidency in 2027, emphasizing that the party’s constitution does not allow this.
Junet explained that all decisions regarding the party’s presidential candidate ultimately rest with Oburu Odinga, and no one else can unilaterally declare their intention to contest against President William Ruto.
“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 during the event in Migori.
He underscored that ODM is a party built on discipline, warning that members should not act independently or try to bypass party procedures.
“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,” he added.
The outspoken lawmaker reiterated his commitment to defending Oburu Odinga’s leadership and ensuring the party’s unity remains intact, especially amid dissent from some members.
Junet also warned that any individual attempting to orchestrate a “coup” within ODM would face consequences starting January 2026.
Alleging external interference, Junet claimed that former President Uhuru Kenyatta was allegedly funding certain individuals within ODM to create divisions and rally against the party’s top leadership.
“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. 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,” Junet stated firmly.
Oburu Odinga himself has reassured party members that he remains strong and capable of leading ODM into the future, refusing to allow any faction to dismantle the legacy of his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
He stressed that the party will continue its broad-based cooperation with President William Ruto, in line with Raila Odinga’s vision.
“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 Oburu Odinga is about to die soon is seriously mistaken because I’m the same age as Trump of America,” Oburu said, reassuring supporters of his vitality and resolve.
The statements from both Junet and Oburu come at a time when internal tensions and speculation about presidential ambitions have been increasing within ODM.
The party, which has been a dominant force in Kenyan politics, is keen on maintaining discipline and presenting a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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 Oburu Odinga is about to die soon is seriously mistaken because I’m the same age as Trump of America,” Oburu said, reassuring supporters of his vitality and resolve.
The statements from both Junet and Oburu come at a time when internal tensions and speculation about presidential ambitions have been increasing within ODM.
The party, which has been a dominant force in Kenyan politics, is keen on maintaining discipline and presenting a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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