Political activist Kasmuel McOure has declared unconditional support for President William Ruto's re-election bid, saying the president's victory in the 2027 General Election is his only ideological goal.
McOure said he had transferred the loyalty he previously had for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Ruto.
According to him, he would only associate with people committed to securing the President's re-election.
In a statement, the activist said he had paid a high price for his political position and would not allow individuals pursuing personal interests to undermine Ruto's 2027 bid.
“President William Ruto’s decisive victory in 2027 will be my only ideological vindication. I have paid too dear a price to allow a few individuals to impose their selfish interests and potentially sabotage it,” he said.
McOure added that his support for the President would not be conditional on particular individuals or interests.
“The unwavering loyalty I once had for H.E. Raila Odinga has now been transferred to President William Ruto. Support for President Ruto must be unconditional. I consider it a matter of principle,” he said.
This comes as ODM leaders debate the terms of their engagement with Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections, with calls for a formal agreement aimed at securing clear commitments for the party and its supporters.
Senior ODM leaders, including National Assembly Minority leader Junet Mohamed, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, have said the broad-based arrangement must guarantee a 50 per cent share of government positions and power.
Addressing a party delegates' meeting in Turkana, Wanga said the broad-based government arrangement for 2027 would involve an equal share between Ruto’s UDA and ODM.
“It will be a 50-50 arrangement between UDA and ODM. If they field a presidential candidate, we shall have the running mate. If they take 10 slots in the Cabinet, we shall demand the same number,” Wanga said in Turkana.
The Deputy President’s position is currently held by Kithure Kindiki, who has maintained that he is well placed to retain the role as Ruto’s running mate in the next election.
The position is also attracting interest from political allies seeking to negotiate favourable terms in a possible pre-election coalition with the ruling UDA.
The push for a written pre-election pact with President William Ruto has opened a fresh fault line within ODM, exposing growing differences over how the party should approach the 2027 presidential contest.
ODM’s demand introduces another consideration into the negotiations surrounding Ruto’s re-election bid, with the party seeking a formal agreement that would secure it a senior position in the next administration.
The parties had earlier announced plans to establish a committee to put together a pre-election pact following their coming together in 2024 under the broad-based government arrangement.
Among the strategies the teams have been pursuing is securing key positions for ODM in a way that averts a fallout within the existing Kenya Kwanza arrangements.
