The 2027 General Elections discourse took a fresh turn after a senior insider at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) hinted that the party might present a running mate for President William Ruto.
Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda on Thursday, January 9, seemingly confirmed the long-standing belief that Ruto and Raila will join hands in the forthcoming polls. The result of this coalition would see ODM fielding a Deputy President candidate.
“The way we are going in 2027 is that we are going to support President William Ruto for a second term. ODM is going to be a major player,” Ojienda stated.
“I think the coalition agreement may include the possibility of having a deputy president from ODM. I think then we can have positions shared between UDA and ODM IN 2027,” Ojienda averred.
While speaking on Citizen TV’s Day Break show, Ojienda stated that the ODM party would play a significant role in the upcoming elections, suggesting that a restructuring of government was on the cards if Ruto emerged victorious.
“2027 is a different ballgame. UDA and ODM will form a coalition; they will agree on the structure. The structure will include a Prime Cabinet Secretary, of course, and a Chief Cabinet Secretary. The framework will ensure inclusivity,” he noted.
Ojienda’s comments seemingly contradicted those of ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, who insisted that ODM would present a presidential candidate in 2027, given the current political climate.
Sifuna questioned the feasibility of an alleged ODM alliance with Ruto, stating that the current President has lost widespread popularity across the country, particularly in Mt. Kenya, which voted overwhelmingly for him in 2022.
“Looking at the political dynamics in the country right now, it would be very foolish for ODM not to field a presidential candidate in 2027. ODM just needs to retain all of its constituencies because Ruto has lost almost half of his constituencies in Mt. Kenya. How do you help someone when you can help yourself?”
In light of recent developments, political battle lines have been drawn, with various leaders beginning to drum up support in regions across the country. This has led to top leaders on both sides of the political divide forming alliances in the lead-up to the polls.
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa have intimated at forming an alliance that would most likely challenge Ruto in 2027.
Gachagua, who was Ruto’s running mate in the previous polls is expected to be part of the three-pronged alliance after his fallout with Ruto. Since then, he has become a staunch critic of the current administration highlighting their inefficiencies and faults.
Kalonzo reportedly fell out with fellow Azimio co-principal Raila Odinga and adopted the title of the ‘Leader of the People’s Loyal Opposition’ and has been receptive to Gachagua’s advances.
Even so, the prolonged constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) remains a stumbling block as it hampers the electioneering process.
