"ODM WILL CONTEND FOR PRESIDENCY IN 2027"

Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong’o has dismissed claims that ODM is part of the government, stating that it only plays a participatory role and will field a presidential candidate against President Ruto in 2027.

During a virtual interview with a local TV station on Monday, 11th, Nyong’o — a staunch ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga — maintained that ODM is an independent party, assuring that it will challenge its other half of the broad-based government for the presidency.

“Our party, ODM, will field a presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 general elections. Currently, that is the position because the party is independent and has the right to field a candidate,” he said.

When questioned about ODM’s role in government, he clarified that the party, led by Raila, only stepped in to help the country during a period of crisis following a surge in protests and unrest. He stressed that ODM is not in government but only plays an advisory role for the nation’s goodwill.

These statements align with remarks by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Raila Odinga, who have both been quoted at different times declaring support for President Ruto until 2027, after which they will decide the party’s direction, aside the broad-based arrangement.

However, Sifuna has remained highly critical of the UDA regime, recently, hinting at working with either Fred Matiang’i or Kalonzo Musyoka to oust President Ruto.

ODM appears to be at a crossroads — balancing its commitment to the broad-based government with internal rifts among party leaders and the challenge of maintaining support from Kenyans opposed to the arrangement.