Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi during an event held at Mutumbu Primary School in Gem Sub-county./FAITH MATETE A section of ODM lawmakers from Nyanza have hinted at a looming coalition between their party and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election, signaling a potential political realignment in the region.
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, who chairs the Budget and Appropriations Committee in Parliament, said the Luo community should support Ruto for a second term, citing his goodwill towards the region.
“We have been lied to for so long. But now we can see clearly. Only one person has stood with us genuinely, President William Ruto, he will be re-elected in 2027, and we will walk with him,” Atandi said during a development function in Gem, Siaya County.
He further stated that ODM members were open to forming a coalition with UDA, making Ruto the presidential flag-bearer of the alliance.
“We are still ODM members, but we will work with President Ruto. He will be our candidate in 2027,” Atandi told residents.
His remarks were echoed by Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, who urged the Luo community to move away from what he termed as "deceitful politics" that seek to discredit President Ruto.
“Politics is about mutual support. Whoever scratches your back, you scratch theirs. President Ruto has delivered for our region and shown us goodwill. It's now our turn to give back,” said Nyamita.
Ugenya MP David Ochieng, elected under the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) party, also backed the idea, noting that President Ruto had consistently included the Luo community in key government appointments and development programmes.
“We cannot pretend anymore. Ruto has shown belief in this region when others turned their backs on us. We must not support people who do not care about us,” Ochieng said.
The leaders made the statements during a public event held at Mutumbu Primary School in Gem Sub-county.
The event was led by President Ruto’s Aide Farouk Kibet, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and other government officials.
The MPs’ pronouncements mark a significant shift in Nyanza's political discourse.
The growing support for Ruto in the region may signal early efforts at reshaping political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
