Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga affirmed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party will work with President William Ruto up to 2027.
Of course, Raila will make his decision before the polls, but he has three possible options going into the next election: work with Ruto, join the ‘United Opposition,’ or form a third force and run for the presidency.
If he supports Ruto for the second term, the running mate position is likely to go to his ODM Party.
This leaves the question of who the right ODM politician is to deputize President Ruto in 2027.
Political analyst Dr. Luchetu Likaka told The Kenya Times that Kenya’s political landscape is already shifting and the recent developments in both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja suggest a 2027 coalition agreement may be strategically irresistible.
Likaka said Mining Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ali Hassan Joho is one of the possible options.
He explained that Joho brings unmatched influence from the Coastal counties, being the former governor of Mombasa County and ODM deputy party leader.
Likaka said the Coastal region has long felt politically orphaned despite its numerical weight.
His oratory, youth appeal, and image as a modern-day political entrepreneur could serve Ruto’s ambitions to project a dynamic, inclusive, and progressive image.
ODM Risk Losing Coastal Votes
Similarly, political analyst Maimuna Mwidau said Raila might lose the Coastal votes if he does not pick someone from the region to deputize Ruto.
She stated that the region might follow a different political path if they are not given the running mate position.
The coast region, which boasts a strong base for ODM, may have to reconsider its position if one of its own is not on the ticket, given that the bulk of ODM representation comes from Pwani.
However, Mwidau pointed out that it is difficult to imagine that any other ODM leader would precede Raila as a potential running mate to Ruto in 2027.
Mwidau stated that this will only be possible if there is a framework that places Raila in a very powerful position in 2027.
“With this kind of scenario, the political strength that will be brought to the table must emanate from Raila by endorsing the potential candidate,” she said.
Gladys Wanga
She picked Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga as the best candidate for the position.
Mwidau said the potential candidate could be endorsed as Raila’s trusted agent and must be someone who cannot pull the rug and steal the moment under his watch.
She explained that the ODM Chairperson is Raila’s trusted agent and suits the position due to the gender card.
This candidate should also be someone who has the gravitas to complement Ruto and be able to move masses and support in regions other than Luo Nyanza. In this case, Governor Gladys Wanga is a trusted agent within ODM, and a female gender factor will come into play.
Also Read: Why Raila Can’t Remove Edwin Sifuna as ODM SG
Ruto-Raila Recent Meeting
On the other hand, Political Risk Analyst Dismas Mokua said it is too early to start looking at possible candidacies for the 2027 presidential elections.
However, he stated that the recent meeting between President Ruto, Raila and Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi at State House could be a game-changer.
Mokua said the meeting appears like a reincarnation of the Pentagon may influence the 2027 presidential elections.
Additionally, he stated that former President Kenyatta’s position is a must-watch ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
Also Read: Who Needs the Other More: Raila or Ruto?
Oparanya’s Western Influence
Further, Dr. Likaka hinted that Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya might deputize Ruto in 2027.
He argued that Oparanya is a quintessential steady hand, an experienced technocrat, a respected former governor, and a figure who enjoys quiet but deep respect in Western Kenya.
His selection would not only eat into Raila’s traditional base but also elevate the economic governance narrative that Ruto has attempted to build under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, especially with the Nyanza region, which has predominantly been “left behind” by previous regimes.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates.
