A new wave of political realignment is unfolding in Kenya
following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with leaders from
both the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance
(UDA) rallying behind President William Ruto to lead a joint political front
ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda, a UDA legislator, was
among the first to openly declare Ruto as the joint presidential candidate for
a coalition bringing together UDA, ODM, Ford-Kenya, UDM, KANU, and other
parties.
“For those who don’t know or should know early, the joint
UDA/ODM, Ford-K, UDM, KANU and other coalition parties’ 2027–2032 candidate is
H.E. Dr. William Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya,” Jhanda said.
“It’s time for President Ruto to officially take over ODM
and lead a joint ticket in 2027. The ODM party must return to truth, unity, and
purpose as we build a broad-based political movement till 2032.”
His remarks came days after President Ruto vowed to protect
the ODM party from disintegration, saying he would honour Raila Odinga’s legacy
by keeping the movement strong and united.
“What I will not allow, for the respect of Raila Odinga, is
to let those who want to take ODM and gamble with it in the opposition to
succeed,” Ruto said during Raila’s burial in Bondo, Siaya County.
He added: “ODM must be strong as we go to 2027 because that
is how we will have a strong and stable government.”
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, one of ODM’s most vocal
lawmakers, echoed Jhanda’s sentiments, saying his allegiance to Ruto was rooted
in the political lessons he learned from Raila.
“Baba taught me politics of loyalty. I’ve been intensely
loyal to Baba Raila Odinga since I was born. I never crossed his path. Today, I
have transferred my political loyalty to President William Ruto,” Atandi said.
The declarations by MPs from both sides underscore a growing
push to form a united political movement that transcends traditional party
lines, one that leaders say will honour Raila Odinga’s legacy by promoting
national unity, stability, and inclusive governance.
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.
