Raila Odinga Sets 2027 Limit on ODM-Ruto Pact, Urges Party Unity
Quote from Lawyer on September 23, 2025, 8:00 amFormer Prime Minister Raila Odinga has declared that the Orange Democratic Movement's (ODM) political alliance with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is strictly limited to the period leading up to the 2027 General Election. The announcement, made during an ODM parliamentary group meeting in Machakos County, is expected to ignite fresh political debate as the country prepares for what promises to be a fiercely contested election.
The Machakos meeting, attended by ODM MPs and senior party leaders, was convened to strategize ahead of the party's upcoming 20th-anniversary celebrations in October. Raila's remarks were a direct response to recent statements by some ODM members who had publicly expressed support for Ruto's re-election bid, with a few even endorsing the president's "Tutam" slogan in ODM's strongholds.
Addressing the gathering, Raila emphasized the importance of maintaining ODM's distinct identity within the framework of the broad-based political arrangement with Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government. He stated that the agreement between ODM and UDA is a temporary collaboration, set to conclude in 2027, and does not extend beyond that timeline. He urged party members to refrain from making premature commitments about ODM's plans for the 2027 elections, as no official resolutions have been passed by the party's decision-making organs.
Raila stressed the need for party unity, cautioning members against speculating about ODM's future direction without proper consultation. His call for discipline and adherence to the agreed terms of the pact was met with applause and cheers from the audience, signaling strong support for his leadership.
The veteran politician clarified that ODM has not yet decided whether it will field a presidential candidate in 2027. He assured members that the party would announce its position at an appropriate time, following internal deliberations. This statement comes amid growing speculation about ODM's role in the upcoming election, particularly as some party figures have been vocal about aligning with Ruto's re-election campaign.
The meeting also featured discussions on ODM's preparedness for upcoming mini-polls and the 2027 General Election. Key party leaders, including ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga and Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, addressed the gathering, outlining strategies to strengthen the party's position.
Raila's remarks underscore his intent to maintain ODM's autonomy while honoring the current political arrangement with the Kenya Kwanza government. As the 2027 election draws closer, his directive to prioritize party unity and avoid premature commitments is likely to shape ODM's strategy and influence the broader political landscape in Kenya.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has declared that the Orange Democratic Movement's (ODM) political alliance with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is strictly limited to the period leading up to the 2027 General Election. The announcement, made during an ODM parliamentary group meeting in Machakos County, is expected to ignite fresh political debate as the country prepares for what promises to be a fiercely contested election.
The Machakos meeting, attended by ODM MPs and senior party leaders, was convened to strategize ahead of the party's upcoming 20th-anniversary celebrations in October. Raila's remarks were a direct response to recent statements by some ODM members who had publicly expressed support for Ruto's re-election bid, with a few even endorsing the president's "Tutam" slogan in ODM's strongholds.
Addressing the gathering, Raila emphasized the importance of maintaining ODM's distinct identity within the framework of the broad-based political arrangement with Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government. He stated that the agreement between ODM and UDA is a temporary collaboration, set to conclude in 2027, and does not extend beyond that timeline. He urged party members to refrain from making premature commitments about ODM's plans for the 2027 elections, as no official resolutions have been passed by the party's decision-making organs.
Raila stressed the need for party unity, cautioning members against speculating about ODM's future direction without proper consultation. His call for discipline and adherence to the agreed terms of the pact was met with applause and cheers from the audience, signaling strong support for his leadership.
The veteran politician clarified that ODM has not yet decided whether it will field a presidential candidate in 2027. He assured members that the party would announce its position at an appropriate time, following internal deliberations. This statement comes amid growing speculation about ODM's role in the upcoming election, particularly as some party figures have been vocal about aligning with Ruto's re-election campaign.
The meeting also featured discussions on ODM's preparedness for upcoming mini-polls and the 2027 General Election. Key party leaders, including ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga and Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, addressed the gathering, outlining strategies to strengthen the party's position.
Raila's remarks underscore his intent to maintain ODM's autonomy while honoring the current political arrangement with the Kenya Kwanza government. As the 2027 election draws closer, his directive to prioritize party unity and avoid premature commitments is likely to shape ODM's strategy and influence the broader political landscape in Kenya.