Ruto Responds to Calls to Rejoin ODM
President William Ruto has finally addressed growing calls from ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati urging him to return to the Orange Democratic Movement.
Speaking during the ODM Founders Dinner on Saturday, Ruto clearly stated that he remains committed to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
However, he also emphasized that he will continue to support the idea of a broad-based government that brings together leaders from different political backgrounds.
The President appeared at the event in a yellow Kaunda suit—symbolizing UDA—and an orange hat to represent ODM.
Ruto, who helped found ODM and even served as one of its deputy party leaders in the past, lightened the moment with humour. He explained that he chose to mix the colours to avoid unnecessary speculation about switching parties.
“Earlier today, I was in Kitui, and I knew that when I come for this ODM meeting, Simba Arati would start telling me to join ODM because he loves saying it,” Ruto joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
“I also knew UDA members might think I had left them, so I wore yellow so they can see I am still with them. But I added orange to show that I still believe in a broad-based approach. I hear yellow is also an important colour in Ukambani, so I started in Kitui and then came here.”
Despite making it clear that he is not leaving UDA, Ruto promised continued cooperation between his administration and ODM. He even pointed out that several ODM members are already serving in his Cabinet, showing that his government includes leaders from across the political divide.
In recent weeks, following the death of ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga, there has been increasing speculation and a wave of appeals for Ruto to rejoin the party.
On October 20, just five days after Raila’s passing, Governor Arati stated that if President Ruto ever chose to return to ODM, he would automatically become the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.
Arati was responding to Ruto’s earlier praise of ODM’s legacy and his call for unity within the party, which many interpreted as a sign of closeness to the party’s values.
“The President said yesterday that he will help ensure ODM remains strong. I want to urge him today—Mheshimiwa Ruto—you were a founding member of ODM. How I wish you would come back to your former party,” Arati said.
A few days later, Arati went further by inviting other former ODM members, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, to return to the party.
He argued that their return would honour Raila Odinga’s legacy and also help secure a second term for the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“As deputy party leader, we have already told President William Ruto to come back to ODM,” the Kisii governor said on October 25.
“We also want Uhuru Kenyatta and even Kalonzo—who was also once in ODM—to return so that we can honour Raila Odinga by rebuilding the party and winning in 2027.”
This renewed push has sparked fresh debate in the political arena, especially as ODM navigates its future after Raila’s death.
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