Following Raila’s death, ODM has entered a sensitive transition phase. Acting Party Leader Dr Oburu Odinga and Chairperson Gladys Wanga are reportedly determined to keep the party’s leadership within the Luo community. Sources indicate that the two leaders are consolidating control by encouraging dissenting voices to leave, thereby retaining only those loyal to Raila’s legacy
By The Weekly Vision Political Desk
As Kenya’s political landscape adjusts to life after the passing of ODM leader Raila Odinga, fresh revelations suggest that President William Ruto may be quietly engineering a merger between ODM and his UDA party to create a unified vehicle for his re-election bid in 2027.
During his address at Raila’s funeral in Bondo, President Ruto pledged to protect the ODM Party from being “captured by those who were intent on using the party as a bargaining chip,” assuring mourners that in 2027, he would ensure ODM either forms the next government or plays a significant role within it. “I assure ODM members that we will support them, because Baba believed in the multiplicity of parties. The strength of ODM matters to me because it is how we are going to have a strong democracy,” Ruto said.
‘ODM will either form the next government or be a part of the next government. What I will not accept, in honour of Odinga, is people playing with ODM to make it an alienated opposition party’.
His remarks stunned many political observers, fuelling speculation that Ruto may be considering running for re-election under the ODM banner in a symbolic move to honour Raila’s political legacy.
Such a strategy would be both tactical and emotive. By aligning himself with ODM, Ruto could capitalise on the party’s strong grassroots presence in Nyanza, Western, and Coastal regions, areas that have traditionally remained loyal to Raila. This approach would also enable Ruto to frame his 2027 campaign as a continuation of Raila’s vision of national unity and reform, potentially attracting millions of Raila’s long-time supporters.
Following Raila’s death, ODM has entered a sensitive transition phase. Acting Party Leader Dr Oburu Odinga and Chairperson Gladys Wanga are reportedly determined to keep the party’s leadership within the Luo community. Sources indicate that the two leaders are consolidating control by encouraging dissenting voices to leave, thereby retaining only those loyal to Raila’s legacy.
This internal purge has already seen several senior officials hint at departing from the party. Nevertheless, Wanga and Oburu appear confident that a leaner, more disciplined ODM will be better positioned for the 2027 polls. President Ruto, on his part, has expressed a desire to see ODM remain stable, cautioning against internal divisions that could weaken his vision of a broad-based government.
In Luo Nyanza, Raila’s most ardent supporters have responded positively to Ruto’s overtures, viewing the President’s gestures as an act of respect for Raila’s legacy. Those opposing this new direction are being urged to find alternative political platforms.
At the Coast, Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, a long-time ODM stalwart, has already signalled his intention to campaign for Ruto in 2027 through ODM structures. Joho’s influence could prove pivotal in swaying coastal voters to support Ruto’s re-election, using ODM as a political bridge between the ruling UDA and the opposition’s traditional base.
In Western Kenya, political dynamics remain fluid. However, with no clear opposition presidential candidate emerging from the region, analysts believe that ODM supporters there may remain loyal to the party and, by extension, to Ruto’s broader coalition.
Meanwhile, former President Uhuru Kenyatta is reportedly backing Dr Fred Matiang’i to fly the Jubilee Party flag in 2027, aiming to consolidate Mount Kenya’s political influence. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, however, appears to be warming up to Kalonzo Musyoka, a move that could further splinter the opposition vote.
Should Ruto secure victory in 2027, political insiders speculate that Uhuru might still pursue a post-election pact with him, leaving both Kalonzo and Gachagua politically exposed.
The political realignments currently taking shape suggest that President Ruto’s path to re-election may depend heavily on how effectively he manages to influence and stabilise ODM from behind the scenes. By merging Raila Odinga’s formidable legacy with his own political machinery, Ruto could transform ODM into a powerful vehicle for consolidating national support and ultimately securing victory in 2027.
