Oburu hints at possible 2027 deal with Ruto after by-election triumph

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has hinted at the outfit backing President William Ruto’s re-election, saying the outcome of the by-elections is a clear indicator of the shape the 2027 teams will take.

Speaking after ODM and UDA’s strong performance in several contested seats, Oburu said the results offer a realistic picture of what 2027 will look like, suggesting that political players must read the signs early and position themselves wisely.

“Raila left us in the broad-based government, we are there, and we will continue working together with the President until the end of his term. But the way we are moving, you will see how things fit perfectly. We will be together, and we are just praying for the President,”  the Siaya senator said.

“We have silenced all those who were loud, dismissing broad-based government; those still doubting, I tell you, wait for 2027."

His remarks come amid heightened debate over the stability and future of the broad-based governance deal, which brought together leaders from across political divides after deadly youth-led protests.

Critics have questioned whether the arrangement still holds, but Oburu insisted that recent political events demonstrate its continued relevance.

The victories, according to the UDA-ODM camp, is a clear signal that Kenyans still have confidence in the team.

This was the first time Oburu spoke on the by-elections outcome since returning from Dubai, where he had gone for treatment.

His comments came days after the broad-based candidates won all seven parliamentary seats that were being contested in last week’s by-elections.

The Ruto-led broad-based side won MP seats in Malava (UDA), Ugunja (ODM), Mbeere North (UDA), Kasipul (ODM), Magarini (ODM) and Banissa (UDA) by-elections.

The regime also bagged the Baringo senatorial seat, leaving the United Opposition with victories only in a handful of ward seats.

“I would also like to appreciate people from UDA and ODM who have been working, and we trounced our opponents who were saying there was no broad-based government,” Oburu said.

He spoke during the wedding of Mohammed Noordin, son of National Intelligence Service (NIS) director general Noordin Haji. The ceremony was also attended by President William Ruto and other dignitaries.

Oburu’s statement appears to have ruffled feathers in the Orange team, with some officials demanding a structured negotiation before announcing any deal.

ODM national vice chairman Otiende Amollo has cautioned the Orange party that they risk rendering their party powerless through premature support for Ruto’s re-election

Speaking on Saturday, Otiende called for structured negotiations before declaring support for the President in 2027, warning that any other way would disadvantage ODM at the negotiation table.

“We have fewer positions in the government than some other regions. One community even has more Cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries than we do. They even have the Deputy President position. Have you ever heard them constantly, saying they are in government? When we keep saying every time that we are in government, it diminishes our value,” he said.

“You have to wait to be called upon and prove your value. We have not refused to be part of the government, but we must maintain dignity and strategic restraint.”

The Rarieda MP also argues that Raila’s decision to bring the party into government did not translate to 2027 support.

“We are a big party, and we have to accept certain terms when we join such arrangements. Raila only said we will be in this government up to 2027. After that, it is up to us to decide. After 2027, we can choose to stay or leave—it will depend on the circumstances. Nobody can say we will remain with Ruto beyond that,” he stated.

The party is caught between the immediate benefits of being in a working relationship with the government and the long-term risk of losing its identity and leverage as an independent political force.

The outcome of the internal debate will not only shape ODM's future but also fundamentally alter the country's political landscape leading into the 2027 general election.