Raila Odinga Hints at Backing Ruto in 2027

Speaking at the burial of former MP Phoebe Asiyo in Homa Bay, Raila urged critics of the broad-based government to allow time for the implementation of its 10-point agenda, adding that it would be Kenyans who decide whether Ruto is re-elected, based on his performance.

“To the naysayers, give us space, give us room and judge us in 2027. This broad-based government is here to stay until then. After that, we shall know how to proceed,” Raila said. “To those saying wantam, wantam, so what? Kenyans will decide the terms. I am confident that when the time comes, we will face Kenyans and tell them what we want and where we intend to go. I am not afraid,” the ODM supremo added.

While Raila’s remarks still left open the possibility of ODM pulling out of its partnership with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance, they are widely seen as his strongest signal yet that the arrangement may extend beyond 2027.

Whether ODM will back Ruto in the next general election has triggered deep divisions in the country’s most dominant opposition party, with Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna firmly opposed to the idea.
After repeatedly declaring the 7 March pact “dead” over failure to implement its provisions, Sifuna was surprised last week when Raila convened a meeting of the party’s Central Committee to push for continued support for the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Raila argued that the alliance, which has seen five former ODM top officials appointed to the Cabinet, was vital to stabilising the country and creating an enabling environment for Kenyans to address their grievances through democratic and constitutional means.

Those serving in the Cabinet include John Mbadi (Treasury), Hassan Joho (Mining), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Wycliffe Oparanya (MSMEs), and Beatrice Askul (East African Community). Other Raila allies have also been appointed as permanent secretaries, parastatal chiefs, and senior advisors in the President’s office.

The Central Committee resolved to form a 10-member technical committee to work with UDA counterparts in implementing the 10-point agenda. Key priorities include youth livelihoods, peaceful assembly, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption and waste of public resources.

Although Sifuna initially said the committee had unanimously agreed to back Raila’s position, he later threatened to resign if ODM endorsed Ruto’s re-election bid. “I am willing to read whatever statement ODM drafts for dissemination, even if it insults me. But the day the party decides to support Ruto in 2027, I will not be part of it. Some say Nyando MP Jared Okelo is better than me because he speaks good English; Okelo, be ready if you want my role. If they endorse Ruto, I am out,” Sifuna declared at a function in Saboti Constituency.

ODM remains ideologically divided over Raila’s decision to rescue the Ruto administration from collapse following last June’s Gen Z revolt against punitive tax proposals in the Finance Bill 2024. The bill, later abandoned, had sparked nationwide protests that evolved into a broader fight against bad governance, the high cost of living, and youth unemployment.

Apart from Sifuna, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has also criticised the pact, with both threatening to lead a mass walkout from ODM. While some within the party have called for Sifuna’s removal, Raila has defended his right to express dissenting views, calling it a democratic right.

Insiders claim Raila’s continued support for Ruto is influenced by veteran politicians and those benefiting from the broad-based government, including members of his own family.

Meanwhile, Ruto has begun implementing the agreement with ODM, in what many see as an effort to cement the alliance ahead of 2027. On Wednesday, he appointed a committee chaired by former ODM Nominated Senator Agnes Zani to ensure full implementation of the 10-point agenda by 7 March next year. He also announced the formation of a framework to compensate victims of protests and riots dating back to 2017, headed by Raila’s strategist Prof Makau Mutua, who currently serves as Senior Advisor on Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights in the President’s office.

Raila has previously said that former President Uhuru Kenyatta personally called him to urge reconciliation with Ruto in order to save the country from descending into chaos and avert a possible military takeover.

However, it is now clear that political interests have played a significant role. For example, Jubilee Vice-Chairman David Murathe said on Wednesday that they still recognise Raila as the Azimio leader and are ready to support him for the presidency. However, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi swiftly rebuffed the offer:

“I want to tell Murathe to leave Baba Raila Odinga alone. Raila himself decided and publicly announced that he would work with Ruto until the end,” Wandayi said. “If they are looking for a presidential candidate in 2027, there are plenty of others who have declared their interest. They should let Raila focus on his own affairs,” he added.

Whether Raila ultimately decides to run against Ruto or back his re-election, questions linger over whether he still commands his traditional support bases outside Luo Nyanza, particularly after partnering with Ruto and amid shifting political dynamics, including the rise of Gen Z activism. During last year’s revolt, Gen Z protestors declared themselves “partyless” and “leaderless”, and told Raila to “stay at home.”

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