Kenya, Sept. 22 -- At a pivotal Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) parliamentary group meeting in Machakos County on September 22, 2025, party leader Raila Odinga firmly dismissed rumours of endorsing President William Ruto's 2027 re-election bid.
Addressing party members at Maanzoni Lodge, Odinga clarified that ODM is committed to fielding its own presidential candidate, emphasising the party's independence and its strategic plans for the upcoming election.
The announcement quashed speculations of a prolonged alliance with Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA), sparked by their March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Odinga rebuked ODM leaders who have publicly backed Ruto's 2027 bid, urging them to refrain from committing the party to unapproved deals. "We agreed to work together until 2027, but no resolution dictates our electoral stance beyond that," he stated, reinforcing that decisions will stem from party organs, not individual endorsements.
The meeting, attended by key figures like ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, focused on reviewing the MoU's progress, particularly on economic reforms and anti-corruption measures, which Odinga stressed as critical for Kenya's stability.
The Machakos gathering also marked ODM's 20th anniversary, a milestone Odinga used to rally members around the party's legacy of advocating for democracy and social justice.
He highlighted ODM's role in pushing for equitable resource distribution and devolution, citing gains like the 2025/2026 budget and the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report's implementation.
"Our cooperation with the government is about service delivery, not election deals," Odinga said, distancing the party from premature 2027 politicking.
Anti-corruption was a focal point, with Odinga reiterating his call for accountability. "Corruption remains Kenya's greatest enemy. Those involved must face justice," he declared, echoing sentiments from an April 2025 baraza where he demanded action against graft.
The meeting also addressed peaceful electoral transitions, with Odinga urging grassroots elections to strengthen ODM's unity without internal rifts.
The event drew mixed reactions online. On X, some users praised Odinga's clarity, with one posting, "Raila is setting the record straight; ODM has its path."
Others speculated about potential candidates, with names like Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o surfacing. As ODM prepares for its October 2025 National Delegates Convention, the Machakos meeting signals a strategic pivot, balancing cooperation with Ruto until 2027 while asserting ODM's ambition to lead Kenya's next government.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.