- Some ODM MPs do not believe that the party has the strength to participate in the 2027 presidential election after the death of their long-time leader, Raila Odinga.
- Led by Sam Atandi of Alego Usonga, the MPs say that the late Raila never supported anyone, so they had no choice but to support President William Ruto
- They say that since Raila has supported Ruto’s administration, the Luo community remains united behind the president
Member of Parliament for Alego Usonga, Sam Atandi, has announced that the ODM party is not ready to appoint a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, saying that there is no leader within the party capable of opposing the President William Ruto.
Source: Facebook
Speaking during a church service in Kanyaluo ward of Homa Bay county on Saturday, October 25, Atandi denied the claims of some ODM members that the deceased Raila Odinga he did not support Ruto, insisting that the former opposition leader did not leave anyone ready to succeed him.
“From where I am, no one in ODM can run for the presidency now because Raila Amolo Odinga did not support anyone to run for the presidency. But if there is anyone who feels fit, just come and tell us if you have the ability to defeat Ruto,” Atandi said.
Why do ODM MPs want Ruto to lead the party?
Atandi described leaders driving divisions within ODM as useless and inexperienced, accusing them of creating unnecessary divisions within the party.
The MP said ODM has turned to its founding members like Ruto to help maintain the party, noting that the current administration in power has increased funding to political parties to strengthen their activities.
“We will re-elect Ruto through a coalition between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). We should remain in our party but seek progress,” Atandi noted.
He also said that he personally involved the president during the last budget process to ensure that more resources are allocated to political parties.
He warned ODM members who oppose the coalition agreement and Kenya First leave the party, saying ODM has leaders capable enough to replace them.
“If you are in ODM and you want to run for president, you cannot use ODM, but your own party. ODM members from all over the country are ready to fight for Ruto to become the president of Kenya,” the MP added.
Gem Member of Parliament Elisha Odhiambo supported the position, saying the Luo community remains politically united behind Ruto following the death of Raila Odinga.
He ignored leaders trying to influence the political direction of the community, reiterating his loyalty to the head of state.
Their sentiments came days after Ruto vowed to uphold ODM’s legacy in line with Raila’s wishes.
Source: Twitter
Does Ruto want to take the leadership of ODM?
The president promised to continue to support the party after the death of its long-time leader.
During his ceremony to honor Raila, Ruto warned against internal sabotage by opponents and stressed the importance of maintaining the alliance between ODM and the government under a broad framework.
Ruto also demonstrated his influence within the party, insisting that Raila’s vision will not be distorted by those who oppose a broad government and want to use ODM again as an opposition tool.
Who is the interim leader of ODM?
The party is currently under the leadership of Siaya senator Oburu Oginga.
He was elected by the National Executive Committee (NEC) on October 16, a day after Raila died in India.
Oburu will lead the party on an interim basis until the party decides on its chief executive during the National Leadership Council (NGC) meeting.
Luo Nyanza leaders elected on the ODM ticket have already endorsed him, pending the NGC’s resolution.
Additional reporting by Florence Owiti.
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