ODM will never be in opposition, say Raila men

ODM bigwigs on Friday maintained they will form part of the next government, days after party leader Raila Odinga sent mixed signals on the 2027 plans.

The leaders, who were in Kisii for the second build-up rally ahead of the two decades celebrations, said the outfit will do everything to ensure it doesn’t get back to the opposition.

Among the bigwigs at the Kisii rally included national chairperson Gladys Wanga, National Assembly Minority leader Junet Mohamed and deputy party leaders governor Simba Arati, Abdulswamad Nassir and Godfrey Osotsi.

The meeting follows similar engagement in Wajir and is meant to build momentum ahead of the ODM @20 celebrations.

Junet told supporters the Orange, currently in broad-based government, will either form government or be part of the regime.

“ODM will form or be part of the next government. Never again will we be in opposition,” Junet declared.

Last week, ODM boss Raila Odinga hinted the party may field a candidate to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.

 “We have not passed any resolutions as a party to say how we are going to go into the elections of 2027. Wherever you are, don't commit the party to some things which have not been discussed. Let them be discussed first,” he told his MPs on Monday.

 “Who told you ODM will not have a candidate in 2027?”

 Nassir noted the party will consider forming a coalition with other like-minded Kenyans if it will not field a candidate.

 He added the party will wait for Raila’s direction on the direction it will take in 2027.

“We are right behind you. For now up to 2027 we are in broad-based government after 2027 we will refuse to be in the opposition.”

Wanga said the party despite its working relationship with the government will continue fighting for the rights of Kenya.

She too said the party will make the right decision that will see it be in the next government.

“We will meet in Mombasa to plan on how to win power or form a coalition, there will be no day ODM will be in government,” Wanga said.

The Kisii fete was however snubbed by local ODM leaders who kept off the rally.

Some of the big names who were a no-show in the rally were Senator Richard Onyonka, MPs Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Patrick Osero (Borabu), Daniel Manduku (Nyaribari Masaba), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba) and Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu).

The lawmakers have been warming up to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who has declared interest for the country’s top job.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

ODM has so far held two big rallies as it builds momentum ahead of the 12th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa next month. Allies describe the October bonanza as a fresh test of ODM’s strength, with others arguing Raila is using the milestone to reenergise his troops for another political battlefront.