Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has weighed in on the ongoing debate about ODM leader Raila Odinga’s political future, making it clear that the veteran politician would still be welcomed back into opposition politics if he chose to return.
Speaking recently, Natembeya noted that Raila remains a central figure in Kenya’s political landscape and commands significant loyalty across the country. He stated that should Raila return to the opposition and declare his bid for the presidency in 2027, he and others would stand firmly behind him.
“Raila akirejea upinzani na aseme ni yeye atataka kuwania urais sisi tutamuunga mkono. Kama atakuja ajieleze kwa nini alikuwa ameeenda serikalini tutamkaribisha,” Natembeya remarked.
His sentiments capture a growing feeling among some Kenyans that while Raila has cooperated with the Kenya Kwanza administration in recent months to promote stability, many of his supporters still see him as the true voice of opposition. For them, Raila’s legacy lies in his decades-long fight for democracy, good governance, and accountability.
Natembeya’s statement also highlights the balancing act that ODM faces. On one hand, Raila has defended his decision to work with President William Ruto, saying it was necessary to cool political tensions and move forward with key reforms. On the other hand, questions persist about whether this cooperation has weakened ODM’s traditional role as the watchdog of government excesses.
For Natembeya, however, the issue is not about punishing Raila for collaborating with the government but about understanding his reasons. He stressed that if Raila offers an explanation for why he chose that path, the opposition will still embrace him.
This position reflects the respect Raila continues to command within Kenya’s political class. Even as new leaders like Natembeya, Kalonzo Musyoka, and others position themselves for the 2027 race, Raila remains a force whose decisions influence the direction of the entire opposition.
Ultimately, Natembeya’s words suggest that the door is not closed for Raila to make a political comeback as an opposition candidate. Whether Raila chooses to seize that opportunity or pass the torch to another leader will be one of the defining questions as Kenya moves closer to the next general election.
