President William Ruto‘s plan for re-election has suffered a potential setback after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party announced that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will run for president in 2027.
This announcement could disrupt Ruto’s efforts to win over Raila’s usual support base after his fallout with the Mt Kenya voting bloc.
During a media interview on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, an ally of Odinga, confirmed that the ODM party will field a presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto when asked.
“As of now, that is the position. Because it’s a party — an independent party — it has the right to field a candidate,” said the Kisumu Governor.
He added that ODM might reconsider this stance if there is a consensus to do otherwise before the 2027 elections.
“If indeed there does come discourse towards the elections to do otherwise, we wait to cross the bridge when the time comes. But as of now, ODM will field candidates irrespective of the position they will seek, including the presidency,” Nyong’o stated.
ODM Declares Raila Will Run for Presidency
Furthermore, he maintained that ODM is not part of the government but stepped in to help President William Ruto stabilize the country during the 2024 Gen Z protests and to ensure the delivery of services to the people without conflict.
“My answer is the following. The ODM is participating in government without being in government,” Nyong’o clarified.
Also Read: ODM Politicians Tipped as Possible Running Mates for Ruto in 2027
With ODM declaring support for the former Prime Minister, it could complicate President Ruto’s political calculations in Raila Odinga’s strongholds, especially since Ruto has been courting Raila’s followers following his fallout with the Mt Kenya region, which has a large voting bloc.
Raila Odinga’s traditional bases, including the Coast region, Luo Nyanza counties, Nairobi, and Turkana County, could minimize Ruto’s chances if the former Prime Minister is on the ballot.
Raila Hints at Supporting Ruto Beyond 2027
Ruto has been conducting campaigns in the form of empowerment programs in some of Raila’s strongholds to woo voters and has appointed several of Raila’s allies to key government positions.
Raila’s candidature could diminish the President’s chances of winning the 2027 elections.
However, at the funeral of former Karachuonyo lawmaker Phoebe Asiyo on August 8, 2025, in Homa Bay County, Raila Odinga publicly affirmed his commitment to supporting President Ruto until 2027.
Also Read: Ruto Appoints Gabriel Oguda, 4 Others to NADCO Implementation Team
He defended the broad-based government formed with Ruto, stating that their collaboration, formalized through a March 2025 memorandum of understanding, was essential to prevent Kenya from descending into instability.
He emphasized that he had no regrets about the pact, which aims to address socio-economic and political challenges, and urged critics to reserve judgment until 2027.
Raila also hinted at the possibility of continued cooperation beyond 2027, saying, “I am confident we will move beyond 2027.” Odinga said.
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