ODM party leader Raila Odinga has dismissed claims that his party may skip the 2027 presidential race. Speaking during an ODM Parliamentary Group meeting in Machakos on Monday, Raila said no such decision had been made.
“So, wherever you are, don’t commit the party to things that have not been discussed. We are ODM. Who has told you that ODM will not have a candidate in 2027?” he asked.
Raila emphasised that ODM has its own plan and will announce its candidate at the appropriate time. He clarified that the party’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) earlier this year was aimed at creating stability and addressing national issues, not abandoning ODM’s political future.
“We have a clear plan that we have negotiated and agreed on. Let us continue to implement that plan. Other decisions will be taken when the time comes,” Raila said.
The remarks come after Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o affirmed that ODM will field a presidential candidate in 2027.
Defending the party’s collaboration with the government, Raila said it has already produced results, including political stability, reduced tensions, and progress on the NADCO report and the national budget.
“This far, a core agenda of our coming together has been achieved. We have a stable and peaceful country. We beat chaos and created an environment where we could agree to disagree without fights,” he explained.
Raila praised ODM MPs for fostering a cooperative relationship with the government, urging members not to feel embarrassed about working with President Ruto. “Whatever differences we have, as parties or leaders, we must put the country first,” he said.
A recent TIFA survey indicates that support for the broad-based government has risen by 7 per cent, reflecting growing public approval of the partnership.
