President William Ruto and opposition chief Raila Odinga’s
allies now want the two leaders to publicly declare their political pact
ahead of the 2027 general election.
In what could spark significant political realignments, the
leaders’ supporters, including MPs, say a formal announcement of the alliance is long
overdue.
They said a clear direction is necessary for grassroots mobilisation
and strategic campaign planning to beat rivals.
In March, President Ruto and Raila signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) under a 10-point agenda aimed at fostering national unity,
inclusivity and political stability.
Since the agreement, the two have demonstrated a cordial
working relationship, attending joint events and issuing coordinated political
messages—a development that has fueled speculation about a potential 2027
coalition.
However, neither leader has formally confirmed whether they
intend to work jointly in the next elections.
Uncertainty still lingers, particularly amid whispers within
political circles that Raila could be contemplating yet another stab at the
presidency.
Their allies say the prolonged silence is
complicating their preparations for the next election cycle.
They warn that without explicit guidance, political
mobilisation efforts at the grassroots level risk stagnating—giving the
opposition a head start in the race to 2027.
In Nairobi, several ODM leaders have publicly declared
readiness for campaigns.
Newly elected
ODM Nairobi branch officials, led by chairman George Aladwa, affirmed their
commitment to the alliance and campaigns once instructed by their party leader and the President.
“What Raila says regarding who we should support for
President, we shall follow,” the Makadara MP said.
“He is our party leader and whoever he endorses, we will support.”
Aladwa reiterated that ODM currently operates under
instructions to support Ruto and the broad-based government framework
formed under the MoU.
He said the party is actively
strengthening its grassroots networks, revitalising political structures and
positioning itself strategically for the 2027 general election.
The MP said a joint Raila-Ruto strategy will be
instrumental in shaping Nairobi’s political landscape, especially in maximising
the number of elective seats the party can clinch—from ward level all the way
to parliamentary positions.
“Our focus is unity and stability,” Aladwa said. “The
cooperation between Raila and Ruto has brought a sense of national cohesion and
equitable development, which we are keen to uphold as we move towards the next
polls.”
This renewed push for clarity comes days after Senate
Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, a close confidant of President Ruto, echoed
similar sentiments while addressing mourners at a funeral attended by Raila in
Bomet county.
“The journey you have started with the President—continue
nurturing it,” Cheruiyot told Raila.
“At the right time, we will lock you and Ruto in one room so
that you can agree on the way forward for 2027. Whatever you agree upon, we
will follow without question.”
The Kericho Senator added, “We believe that between the two
of you, there is enough wisdom, patriotism and love for this country to chart
a viable course for the nation.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang
during the funeral of Suna West MP Peter Masara's son last week.
Kajwang reaffirmed unwavering loyalty to Raila, stating that
the ODM rank-and-file would act in line with the decision he ultimately makes
regarding 2027.
“Whatever Raila Odinga says, whenever he says it, and
whatever whistle he blows—that is what we shall follow,” the MP declared.
“All these speculations in the media and from political
opportunists mean nothing to us."
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Since the signing of their MoU, Raila and Ruto have not only
maintained a cordial rapport but have also publicly praised each other—gestures
that continue to hint at a broader political partnership ahead of the next
general election. As Kenya inches closer to the 2027 polls, the country watches
closely to see whether this budding alliance between the long-time political
adversaries will evolve into a formidable force capable of reshaping the
nation’s political terrain.
