President William Ruto has vowed to protect the Orange Democratic Movement
(ODM) party from being weakened or misused, saying he will not allow anyone to
“gamble” with the political movement founded by the late Raila Odinga.
Speaking during the burial service of former
Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science
and Technology in Bondo, Siaya County, Ruto said he would honour Raila’s legacy
by ensuring ODM remains strong and united as Kenya heads toward the 2027
General Election.
“What I will not allow, for the respect of Raila
Odinga, and I will do my best, may God help me, is to let those who want to
take ODM to go and gamble with it in the opposition to succeed,” Ruto said.
He emphasised that the late Raila Odinga had built ODM into a national
movement anchored on democracy, inclusion, and justice, and it was therefore
crucial to keep it intact.
“I want to tell you, we will respect ODM. We
will support you to hold ODM together,” Ruto said.
“ODM must be strong as we go to 2027 because that is the only way we are
going to have a strong government.”
The President said political parties play a
vital role in strengthening democracy and national unity, adding that a strong
ODM would ensure a balanced and inclusive governance structure.
“Political parties are the foundation of any
meaningful democracy,” Ruto said.
“The future of ODM, the strength of ODM, and its well-being matter a great
deal to me because that is how we will have a strong nation, by having strong,
vibrant, national political parties.”
Ruto reiterated that ODM would continue to
play a central role in Kenya’s political future, either as part of the
government or in shaping its policies.
“We will either form the next government or be
part of the next government. That is what we can and will do,” he said.
The President’s remarks come amid growing
speculation about ODM’s role in the unity government and the political
realignments following Raila’s death.
Ruto, who has maintained that Raila’s legacy
must be preserved, said Kenya’s democracy was built through decades of
sacrifice led by the late opposition leader.
“Raila Odinga’s contribution to this country
cannot be erased. His ideals of unity, peace, and justice must live on through
strong institutions and political movements,” Ruto said.
He urged ODM leaders and supporters to remain
united and focus on the party’s mission rather than internal divisions.
“For
the sake of Baba’s memory and Kenya’s democracy, we must protect what he
built,” Ruto concluded.
