BLOW TO RUTO AS ODM DECLARES STANCE ON RAILA’S 2027 PRESIDENTIAL RUN

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced plans to field a presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, a move that sets the stage for a possible rematch between party leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.
Speaking on Tuesday August 12, 2025, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o confirmed the party’s decision, noting that ODM would not back Ruto’s re-election bid. While Nyong’o did not explicitly name Raila as the candidate, political observers say the announcement strongly hints at his return to the ballot.
The declaration deals a political blow to President Ruto, who has been courting regions traditionally aligned with Raila, including Luo Nyanza, Nairobi, and the Coast, in a bid to expand his 2027 support base.
ODM’s stance comes amid growing internal rifts, with Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna openly rejecting the Ruto–Odinga deal and warning he could quit the party if it supports the president. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged ODM MPs to back Ruto, citing Raila’s public endorsement earlier this year.
The development raises fresh questions about the stability of political alliances ahead of 2027, with ODM now positioning itself as Ruto’s main challenger .