Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders have declared that the party will back President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027 but will fight to win other elective seats across the country on its own ticket.
The leaders, who met in Garissa town during the party’s Mwezi wa Baba initiative, said the presidency was the only position ODM had agreed to concede under its political arrangement with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Led by party national chairperson Gladys Wanga, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho, deputy party leader Abdulswamad Sharif Nasir and Secretary General Catherine Amayo, the officials urged members to protect ODM’s structures and preserve the political legacy of its late leader, Raila Odinga.
They defended the party’s cooperation with Ruto’s administration, arguing that the partnership offered an opportunity to advance Raila’s ideals of equality, inclusion and equitable development.
Joho said ODM members should focus on strengthening the party instead of engaging in disputes over who had the strongest claim to Raila’s political legacy.
“The late Raila Odinga left us a strong party, and that is what we must preserve. I am a student of Raila Odinga, and nobody can tell me that those he left behind cannot carry on his aspirations and spirit,” Joho said.
He criticised individuals he accused of presenting themselves as the sole custodians of Raila’s legacy, insisting that the party’s future depended on consolidating its structures and preparing for the next election.
“There are people who want to pretend that they are the only ones who embody his spirit. Let them not boast, because the day we decide to speak, they will all keep quiet,” he said.
Joho also defended ODM’s partnership with Ruto, saying the party’s slogan, Usawa ni Sawa, reflected its commitment to equality and fair development.
He cited improved access to national identity documents as an example of changes affecting communities in the region, urging members to remain united behind the party’s agenda.
Wanga said ODM would field candidates for parliamentary, county assembly and other elective positions in 2027 despite its cooperation with UDA.
“As we head towards the elections, we must ensure that aspirants seeking different elective positions are elected on the ODM party ticket. The only seat we have agreed to relinquish is the presidency, for which we have resolved to support President William Ruto’s re-election,” she said.
She said the decision to support Ruto was informed by the party’s desire to advance the ideals championed by Raila, including political inclusion and equal treatment of all regions.
Deputy party leader Abdulswamad Sharif Nasir urged members to keep ODM united, describing it as a national movement built through years of sacrifice and political mobilisation.
“ODM is the only party with deep roots and representation across the country, reaching every corner of Kenya. This is a party that was built through sacrifice and hard work, and we must ensure that we keep it intact, united and strong,” he said.
Nasir also called for support for Ruto’s re-election, saying the political arrangement between the two parties included an understanding that ODM would have the Deputy President.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed insisted that UDA could not govern without ODM’s participation, arguing that the partnership reflected the strength of the opposition-turned-government partner.
“One thing I want to make categorically clear is that UDA cannot form a government on its own. It needs us,” Junet said.
He urged those seeking elective positions in 2027 to pursue ODM tickets instead of joining smaller parties, maintaining that the movement remained central to the broad-based government arrangement.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who serves as ODM’s organising secretary-general, also reaffirmed the party’s association with the government and sought to reassure aspirants over the nomination process.
“I want to reiterate that ODM is affiliated with the government, and nobody should tell you otherwise,” Abdullahi said.
He pledged that ODM would conduct free and fair nominations as competition for its tickets intensifies ahead of the election.
“Nobody should fear the nomination process or worry that they may be disadvantaged because the exercise is being conducted by ODM. We will ensure that the nominations are free and fair,” he said.
Abdullahi also criticised members who had left the party following Raila’s death, arguing that those who remained had a responsibility to safeguard his political legacy.
“Those of us who joined ODM out of conviction remain in the party. Those who have left are people who were in ODM out of convenience,” he said.
In Garissa, Governor Nathif Jama and county party chairperson Mohamed Ali, popularly known as Amin Comp, called for increased ODM representation in the county in the next election.
Jama, who is seeking the Senate seat, said the party remained strong and was determined to win more positions through its ticket.
“As a country, we are determined to ensure that we elect as many leaders as possible through the ODM party. I want to assure you that ODM remains strong, and that will not change,” he said.
Amin Comp said the county party leadership had maintained active structures and ensured that its officials reflected the diversity of the communities represented in Garissa.
He acknowledged that ODM had performed poorly in the last General Election, winning only one parliamentary seat and a few Members of County Assembly, and called for a stronger showing in 2027.
“Our performance in the last General Election was not very good because we managed to secure only one parliamentary seat and a few MCAs. We must work hard to increase our numbers in the next election and strengthen our representation at both the national and county levels,” he said.
He reiterated that the presidency was the only position ODM had agreed to concede under the arrangement, urging aspirants for other seats to seek the party’s ticket.
The Garissa meeting formed part of ODM’s nationwide Mwezi wa Baba activities honouring Raila, who died in October 2025.
Also present were Lagdera MP Abdikadir Hussein, Garissa Woman Representative Umulkheir Harun, nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana, Beatrice Elachi and other party officials and supporters.
