ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati has issued a subtle warning to President William Ruto, insisting that Ruto must run on an ODM ticket.
Arati, who is one of the fiercest defenders of ODM, spoke during a delegates meeting where he reiterated that ODM would form government in 2027.
According to the Kisii governor, while he had no issue with President William Ruto acquiring another term, he was adamant Ruto should do so on an ODM ticket.
"For now we are together with Ruto, but come 2027, we will ask some questions," Arati said.
Arati further claimed that since ODM was the party which propelled Ruto's political career, it was only right for the UDA boss to contest for a second term on an ODM ticket.
"We have unanimously decided that as ODM we will form government in 2027. We will as President Ruto to join ODM since it was the big party which he helped form," he added.
ODM was born out of a 2005 constitutional referendum, when Kenyans were asked to vote on a proposed new constitution. Raila and Ruto, who were opposed to the constitution, famously rejected it, using the now-famous Orange logo to mean "no".
On Sunday Dec 14, Arati embarked on a tour of Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet to drum up popularity for ODM as he brought the town to a standstill with a lengthy convoy ahead of a delegates meeting.
In the wake of the meeting, Arati reiterated ODM still embraced the broad-based spirit as he called on the party to remain united.
This is not the first time Arati has called on President Ruto to re-join ODM. Days after the demise of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Arati extended an olive branch to the president, saying if Ruto rejoined the party, he would automatically be its flag bearer in 2027.
His remarks were in response to Ruto's promise that he would ensure ODM remains steadfast even after the demise of the party's beloved leader Raila.
Arati has also previously reaffirmed his commitment to preserving Raila's legacy, as he described the former Prime Minister as a guiding light who was integral in helping shape Kenya's political direction.
