Don't force Raila out of 2027 race - ODM MPs to Azimio allies

Some ODM MPs are warning their partners in the Azimio coalition against attempts to bar their party leader Raila Odinga from contesting the presidency in 2027 polls.

The more than 10 legislators claimed that some of their colleagues from other political parties have devised a method of pushing Raila to abandon the 2027 presidential and instead support their bid.

Senators Oburu Odinga (Siaya), Moses Kajwang (Homa Bay) and Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), and MPs Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town) and his Kisumu Central Joshua Oron argued that there is a scheme to arm-twist Raila to back another person in the next race.

Oburu who is Raila’s elder brother said the push is normally done when the ODM leader attends functions in Wiper Democratic Party perceived strongholds.

“Let our bothers stop blackmailing and pressurizing Raila to support their bid when he (Raila) visits them. Raila is still strong and can still contest the presidency seat in 2027,” Oburu said.

Speaking during the burial of George Awino who is a brother to ODM Financial Director Joshua K’Awino at Kanyamfwa village in Karachuonyo constituency, Oburu said Azimio coalition parties will have the mandate to nominate their presidential candidate.

Azimio has ODM, Wiper, DAP Kenya, Narc Kenya, and Kanu among others as its collation parties.

Legislators allied to the Wiper have recently been quoted as saying that their party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka will be on the ballot in 2027.

They want Raila to support Kalonzo as reciprocate to what the latter had accorded him from 2013 to 2022 general elections.

“Instead of pushing Raila to leave the presidential race they should concentrate on strengthening their parties because I believe that the party with more grass-root support will produce a presidential candidate,” he added.

Other MPs present were Ong’ondo Were (Kasipul), Martin Owino (Ndhiwa), Adipo Okuome (Karachuonyo), Peter Orero (Kibra), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach) and Homa Bay Woman Rep Joyce Osogo.

Kajwang said Raila is their most suitable presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

They argued that there is nothing that can bar Raila from winning the presidential seat in his sixth attempt.

Kajwang argued that the pressure on Raila to step aside from the race had worsened to an extent that some leaders from the Azimio coalition had begun blackmailing him.

He said they would not allow the pressure and the blackmail to continue.

“It is out of order for some members of the Azimio coalition to start blackmailing Raila because they want him to endorse someone. Let’s stop such conversation because it's unhealthy and will not take Azmio anywhere, ” Kajwang’ said.

Kajwang challenged members of the Azimio coalition’s parties to strengthen their parties in readiness for the 2027 general election.

“We want Azimio affiliate parties to go back to the drawing board and strengthen their parties. Later, we will ask what each party can bring to the table for us to move forward,” Kajwang’ said.

Kaluma said anybody who wants Raila to stop his presidential bid is daydreaming, adding that he is still the most preferred candidate to many Kenyans.

“Raila’s presidential bid is determined by the people of Kenya and not by political leader. People will endorse him when the right time comes,” Kaluma said.

Wandayi expresses optimism that Raila will form the next government because President William Ruto's regime, he alleged, has failed Kenyans.

The Minority Leader in the National Assembly claimed that Kenyans are tired of the Kenyan Kwanza government due to the high cost of living.

“We’re confident that we are going to form the next government under Raila Odinga,” Wandayi said.

Osogo said they had high hopes in Raila.

“Let them know that our presidential candidate is Raila,” Osogo said.