The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has vowed to support President William Ruto following the death of its party leader, Raila Odinga.
At a meeting of leaders, it was agreed that the ODM would remain in the broad-based government and support Ruto ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Acting party leader and Raila's brother, Oburu Odinga, confirmed that the party’s support for Ruto was unwavering, amid uncertainty over ODM's stand after the demise of its figurehead.
Speaking after receiving party delegates from Luo Nyanza at his Bondo home, Oburu cited national unity and peace across the nation as the reason behind the support.
Further, he advised against engaging in divisive politics, pledging to steer the party post-Raila and solidify its reputation as it celebrates two decades.
Oburu and other party officials maintained that ODM’s position in the broad-based government, which Raila agreed with President William Ruto, was assured ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to them, supporting Ruto ahead of 2027 was one of the final directions from Raila before his untimely demise on Wednesday, October 15, in India.
Oburu’s message came after rumoured cracks within ODM were brought to light after the passing of Raila, with the party leadership seemingly divided on whether to support Ruto or front a challenge.
The party’s issues have further been compounded by reports of a looming Cabinet reshuffle aimed at incorporating KANU party leader Gideon Moi would put ODM’s position under threat.
The news of the reshuffle has caused ripples within government, with attention drawn to some of the ‘experts’ donated to Ruto by the former PM back in 2024. Reports have suggested that some of them might be affected by the looming reshuffle, but this is yet to be officially addressed by Ruto.
Even so, the meeting yielded the unanimous resolution that ODM delegates from Luo Nyanza would agree to endorse Oburu as the official party leader, pending approval from the party’s top organs.
