In a significant political shift, ODM leader Raila Odinga has announced his conditional support for President William Ruto’s administration through to the end of its current term in 2027.
However, the former Prime Minister made it clear that the alliance is not a long-term merger and warned that any discussions about the 2027 presidential succession are premature.
Speaking during an interview with NTV on Sunday at his Karen residence, Odinga emphasized that the current political cooperation is a short-term strategy aimed at stabilizing the country, rather than a full embrace of the ruling UDA party.
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“We have said that we are in the broad-based government until 2027. We did not say that we are going to work with UDA beyond 2027. Those are issues that we will discuss at the appropriate time, and the decision will be made by party members, not Raila Odinga alone,” said Odinga.
The decision, he added, was influenced by the violent protests of 2023, in which over 70 people reportedly lost their lives in demonstrations against high living costs, police brutality, and calls for electoral justice.
Odinga revealed that Kenya was “on the brink of a full-blown crisis,” prompting the opposition to rethink its confrontational approach.
“In 2023, we were in the streets raising very concrete issues about electoral justice, cost of living and corruption. The government responded with brutality, and we lost about 70 people. When we tried to honour them, no judge allowed us to hold a memorial. We eventually did it quietly,” he recalled.
Despite his newfound cooperation with Ruto’s administration, Odinga firmly maintained his political independence and that of the ODM party.
He clarified that while some party-affiliated professionals have taken up advisory roles in government, ODM has not formally joined the administration.
“Initially, I was against it,” Odinga admitted, referring to ODM experts joining government efforts. “But my colleagues felt we needed to steady the ship.”
He explained that the move was meant to contribute technical expertise and help restore calm, not to dilute ODM’s opposition role. He also insisted that no formal agreement or policy framework has been signed with the government.
Odinga further noted that the party leadership has presented a 10-point agenda as a minimum basis for any future engagement with the government, reinforcing that ODM will remain guided by its principles.
The ODM leader also weighed in on his possible candidacy in the next general election, stating he had not ruled out a sixth run for the presidency—but neither had he confirmed one.
“I have not said that I’m running. I don’t have to run. I can support someone else, but I can also run if I want to. Right now, I’m focused on strengthening ODM,” he said.
The remarks come as ODM gears up for internal elections and a pivotal National Delegates Convention (NDC) set for October. Party insiders suggest the event could determine the direction the party takes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Odinga also dismissed speculation of a potential alliance between President Ruto and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, insisting that ODM would follow its own path based on its long-standing legacy and values.
Analysts say Odinga’s recent comments reflect a calculated political positioning—supporting stability without surrendering influence or abandoning his opposition roots.
Whether he decides to run or back another candidate, Odinga’s role in shaping the political narrative leading to 2027 remains central.