Junet: ODM could back Ruto in 2027 if talks succeed

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Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has signalled a possible political shift, saying the opposition could support President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election if ongoing dialogue produces favourable outcomes.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Wednesday, Junet described politics as unpredictable and said no option was off the table.

“Politics is the art of the unknown,” he said. “Anything can happen in politics. Friends are foes tomorrow, foes are friends tomorrow. It's normal in politics.”

The legislator was responding to questions about why leaders who had criticised Ruto during the campaigns were now warming up to him.

Junet insisted that political realignments were a routine occurrence.

“That’s the nature of the game of politics,” he said when asked whether shifting alliances was acceptable.

He added that discussions on 2027 were only beginning.

“We have not reached there. We are now starting the process of discussing that.”

Pressed further, Mohamed said his camp would consider backing the President but only under certain conditions.

“If the negotiations and talks go well, then definitely we will support him,” he stated. “If they don’t go well, then we have options.”

He dismissed suggestions that the opposition had limited alternatives, saying politics requires strategic choices.

However, he ruled out talks with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, criticising his leadership record.

“The DCP, we can’t discuss anything with them,” he said. Asked why, he responded: “Can you discuss anything with Gachagua?”

He went on to question the former deputy president’s conduct in office. “He’s the only impeached deputy president in Africa,” Junet said.

“What that guy says and talks… he is always talking about communities and dividing Kenyans. How can we discuss anything with such a person?”

The MP, however, spoke positively about Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

“He’s a good man,” he said, but quickly dismissed the idea that Kalonzo should automatically be backed by ODM despite supporting Raila Odinga in previous elections.

“Kalonzo supported Raila three times. That support was part of the coalition building we are trying to do now,” he said.

“Coalitions are meant for that specific election they were participating in. Once you don’t form a government, it ends there. It’s not a marriage.”

Asked why ODM would not consider backing Kalonzo as repayment, Mohamed replied that the responsibility lay with candidates seeking support.

“Are you speaking for him?” he asked the interviewer. “It is he who should ask for the support, not you. Personally, he didn’t ask me to support him.”

Junet insisted that any future alliances would depend on formal requests and negotiations. “It is the person who’s running to ask for support,” he said.

His remarks highlight the evolving political landscape as parties begin early positioning for the 2027 race, with shifting alliances likely to shape the campaign period.