“ODM to Go Its Own Way After 2027,” Says Ruth Odinga, Signaling No Automatic Support for Ruto

ODM is facing growing internal tensions over its position ahead of the 2027 General Election, as party leaders continue to send mixed signals. While the party remains in a broad-based partnership with President William Ruto’s UDA, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has dismissed the possibility of a pre-election pact. She stated that ODM will support the current government until 2027, after which it will chart its own independent course.

The party currently collaborates with Ruto under a memorandum of understanding signed in March. Since the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga, however, the party has struggled with internal divisions. Members hold differing views on whether ODM should endorse Ruto’s re-election bid. Ruth Odinga emphasized that the focus should remain on strengthening the party rather than negotiating new deals. “We are not striking another agreement. We are strengthening ODM,” she said.

Her position aligns with ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, who stressed that the party will continue to act independently, as it has in past elections. Speaking during Raila’s funeral on October 19, Sifuna recalled that the late leader had been clear: the arrangement with UDA was a working pact lasting until 2027, not a pre-election endorsement of Ruto. He urged members not to misrepresent Raila’s instructions, cautioning politicians openly leaning toward Ruto.

“Raila Odinga spoke clearly during the ODM Parliamentary Group meeting on September 22. He said the party must prepare for the 2027 General Election. Those advancing different positions – Baba would ask, ‘Who told you?’ We are following his final instructions,” Sifuna said.

Before his death, Raila confirmed ODM’s participation in the current government but did not clarify whether the party would support Ruto afterward. One faction interprets the current partnership as implicit support for Ruto, while another insists Raila only approved government participation without committing to Ruto’s re-election.

Currently, ODM is under interim leadership of Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, tasked with guiding the party through this transitional phase. As 2027 approaches, ODM faces the delicate challenge of balancing loyalty to Raila’s legacy with defining its independent political strategy, ensuring unity while preparing for the elections.