The Homa Bay Governor clarified that ODM was still an opposition party and it would field candidates for every single elective post
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has announced its promise to field candidates in all the elective seats in the August 2027 general elections, including the presidency.
Speaking in Kisumu on Tuesday, October 15, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga affirmed that the party remains focused on going for the highest seat in the country, amidst claims the party was planning to back President William Ruto for a second term.
The Homa Bay Governor clarified that ODM was still an opposition party and it would field candidates for every single elective post, down to the lowest which is the seat of the Member of County Assembly.
Wanga, while addressing the press, exuded confidence that the ODM opposition party was capable of clinching the presidency in the 2027 general elections, something it has tried through Raila Odinga up to five times through two coalitions but failed.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga receives her Kisumu counterpart Anyang’ Nyong’o at Kisumu International Airport on October 15, 2024. /GLADYS WANGA
“In the coming elections, we hope that our party will sweep seats starting from MCA, MPS, Senators, Governors and we are not going to leave any seat including the presidency, ODM is moving forward,” Wanga revealed.
On Friday, October 11, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, while in Kericho County, revealed that the ODM party would back William Ruto’s candidacy in the 2027 general elections, adding that the opposition party was fully behind the Head of State despite criticism over its controversial decision to join President Ruto’s administration.
“I believe that our political partnership will hold strong beyond 2027. We have decided to work with President William Ruto and will stay committed to that cause. We are part and parcel of the government and the government’s foundations remain strong. It’s our responsibility to ensure the government remains strong. Let us keep supporting the president so that he can continue leading the government even beyond the next elections,” stated Wandayi.
“I come from Siaya, Nyanza and we are known to make firm decisions and stand by them. We have decided to work with the president. In the event you hear noises, don’t be troubled, even one bit.”
The CS claimed that Raila’s political support base has embraced the President and will therefore back his bid for another term. The beneficiary of the truce struck between President Ruto and ODM leader Raila reiterated that national unity and prosperity are the most important aspects of nation-building.
“President Ruto has formed a government that includes every Kenyan and every community, enabling citizens to unite and work together for development,” the CS noted, going ahead to narrate that “You are well aware that I was firmly in the opposition. But the country is more important than any individual or any party. That is why when President William Ruto invited us into his fold, I accepted the offer very fast.”
The remarks came amidst rumours that Raila is being groomed to be Ruto’s running mate in the next general elections as deputy president Rigathi Gachagua faces looming impeachment. A report released by research firm Infotrak indicated that 2 per cent of respondents preferred Raila to be on the same ticket as Ruto in 2027, even though it put Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as a clear favourite to replace Gachagua if the Senate votes to kick the latter out.
This could ignite fresh political battles, with Wanga expressing satisfaction on October 15 with Raila’s decision to appoint Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o as the interim party leader, and should the former Premier be preferred as Ruto’s running mate, it would mean that Raila would be up against the very party he has called home for years.
However, Raila himself is setting his sights on the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson seat, with the backing of President Ruto.
President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga engage in a conversation after meeting at President Yoweri Museveni’s home in Kisozi, Uganda on Monday, February 24, 2024. /PCS