ODM Divided Over Ruto’s 2027 Bid as Ruth Odinga Demands More Than Goodwill

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing fresh divisions over its planned support for President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, with party leaders disagreeing on what they should secure in return for backing his re-election.

Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has insisted that the party must protect its interests before committing itself to a political partnership with the President. She argues that goodwill alone is not enough and that any agreement must be formalised in a legally binding document.

Her position comes as ODM and Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) continue discussions about their possible political cooperation ahead of the August 2027 elections.

Ruth, who is the younger sister of ODM leader Oburu Oginga and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has warned against entering another political arrangement without clear guarantees.

She has maintained that ODM is a national political party with support across different parts of Kenya, including Western, the Coast and Turkana regions. She has also opposed attempts to portray the party as representing only the Luo community.

According to her, the party’s national character and political strength must be recognised during negotiations with UDA.

The debate has exposed differences among ODM leaders, with some supporting an early commitment to Ruto while others want a written agreement before making a final decision.

Those supporting cooperation argue that working with the government could help the party advance development projects and secure opportunities for its supporters. They also warn that delaying an agreement could weaken ODM’s position if other opposition leaders negotiate with the President.

However, leaders demanding a formal agreement say political promises made before elections must translate into clear commitments after the results are announced.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma are among those who have called for a written agreement. They argue that the party must learn from previous political partnerships in which promises were not fully honoured.

ODM leaders have also discussed a possible 50-50 power-sharing arrangement with UDA, including the possibility of the Deputy President’s position going to ODM. However, the final terms remain subject to negotiations.

The disagreement comes as the party continues to shape its strategy following Raila Odinga’s death in October 2025.

With the 2027 elections approaching, ODM’s leadership faces the challenge of maintaining unity while deciding how best to protect the party’s political interests.

sources;https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DmADarrDU/