ONLY RAILA CAN BEAT RUTO - KALUMA

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has stirred debate in Kenya’s political arena after declaring that only Raila Odinga stands a realistic chance of defeating President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Sunday, Kaluma dismissed other opposition figures as “too weak to mount a serious contest,” insisting that even a joint ticket of the current crop of leaders would barely scratch 15 percent of the national vote.

“Only Raila Odinga can beat President William Ruto if he runs in 2027. The other so-called opposition leaders, even if they worked together, wouldn’t muster more than 15 percent of Kenya’s total vote,” Kaluma said.

The MP went further to suggest that the 2027 presidential election may already be a foregone conclusion. He argued that upon Raila joining forces with Ruto, the contest would be sealed even before ballots are cast.

“We don’t need to spend money on a presidential election in 2027. If Raila were to go into a coalition with Ruto, it would be done,” he added.

Kaluma’s remarks come at a time when Raila Odinga’s has already declared support for Ruto until 2027, after which his ODM would determine another move. Moreover, ODM's top ranking officials like Kisumu governor Anyang' Nyongo gave a surety that ODM must field a presidential candidate come 2027 .

Meanwhile ODM's SG Edwin Sifuna, also doubling as Nairobi's Senator alongside Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have declared an anti- Ruto stance , each warning of a walkout on ODM, when Raila decides to support Ruto past 2027.

However, Raila, who has unsuccessfully contested the presidency five times, is yet to make public whether he will be on the ballot in 2027.

Speculations views Kaluma’s comments as a reflection on the deep uncertainty within ODM about its ability to field a formidable candidate if Raila bows out of active politics. Meanwhile, President Ruto has already signaled his intention to seek re-election, banking on his broad-based government development agenda to secure a second term.