Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has confirmed that his current political partnership with President William Ruto will only last until the 2027 General Election. This declaration ends widespread speculation over whether Raila might continue supporting Ruto beyond one term.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with NTV at his Karen home on Sunday, Raila made it clear that his alliance with Ruto’s government is short-term.
He explained that the cooperation is aimed at stabilizing the country during this difficult period marked by economic hardship and social unrest—not a long-term political merger.
He firmly dismissed talk of any future alignment with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) beyond the next election cycle, stressing that such matters would be decided by the ODM party as a whole—not by him alone.
“We have said clearly that we are part of the broad-based government until 2027. We never said we would work with UDA after that. The future path will be decided by party members—not Raila Odinga individually,” he emphasized.
These remarks come as some political observers continue to read deeper meaning into Raila’s recent engagements with President Ruto, suspecting a larger political realignment could be in the works. But Raila was categorical: any long-term decisions will be handled through ODM’s official party mechanisms.
His statement is likely to shake up the political landscape both within Ruto’s camp and the opposition. Analysts suggest it leaves the door open for Raila to support a different candidate in 2027—or possibly strike a new deal with Ruto, depending on circumstances.
Ruto’s administration is currently grappling with growing dissatisfaction, especially among the youth, many of whom feel let down by unfulfilled campaign promises from the 2022 elections.
Raila also took time to explain the purpose behind the ongoing national dialogue process, popularly known as the “conclave.” He stressed that it was never about political survival—for him or for Ruto—but a genuine effort to solve pressing national issues.
“I’m glad Kenyans are now talking about the conclave. This is not a project to save Raila or Ruto. It belongs to the people. Our country’s problems can’t be fixed by chanting ‘Ruto must go.’ We need a practical solution,” he said.
When asked whether he would run for the presidency in 2027, Raila kept his cards close to his chest. He neither confirmed nor denied it, only saying the decision would be made when the time was right.
Reflecting on his controversial decision to work with the Ruto government, Raila pointed to the events of 2023.
He recalled how the opposition held mass protests to demand action on several issues—fair elections, the high cost of living, and corruption. He said the government responded with excessive force, which led to tragic outcomes.
“In 2023, we organized protests to push for accountability on critical national issues. Sadly, the government met us with violence. Around 70 people lost their lives.
When we tried to hold a public memorial for the victims, no judge gave us permission. We had to mourn them in silence,” he remembered.
With these statements, Raila has once again positioned himself at the center of Kenya’s ever-shifting political chessboard—asserting control over the ODM party’s direction while urging unity and dialogue during a time of national tension.
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