Senator Tom Ojienda says ODM will support President Ruto in 2027

President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga during the burial ceremony of Phoebe Asiyo in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County. (Photo: ODM)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Friday, September 26, 2025

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has unsuccessfully run for the presidency five times, has been cautious about revealing his plans for 2027.

Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda now says that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will support President William Ruto’s bid for re-election in 2027, citing the ongoing collaboration between ODM and Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking on Citizen TV’s Daybreak program on Thursday, Ojienda said, “In 2027, ODM will support William Ruto for the presidency. That you can take to the bank.”

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He pointed to the March 2025 political agreement between the two parties and the prominent government positions now held by allies of ODM leader Raila Odinga as evidence of the growing partnership.

“ODM and UDA are converging; otherwise, there would be no need for committees that we have seen, a 10-point agenda, entrenching ODM and its cabinet secretaries in government to work closely with President Ruto if the intention is to ship out,” Ojienda said.

“The intention is to go in and remain in government. ODM will remain in government for a long, long time,” the Senator added.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has unsuccessfully run for the presidency five times, has been cautious about revealing his plans for 2027.

Earlier this week, he hinted at the possibility of presenting a candidate but urged members to wait for an official party position.

"Don't commit the party to some things that have not been discussed. Who told you ODM does not have a candidate in 2027?" Odinga said during the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

"We have a clear plan that we have agreed on, and let us implement it. Other decisions will be made when the time comes."

Ojienda expressed confidence that Odinga, whom he described as “a political figure who transforms, unites, and sees far,” will ultimately endorse Ruto’s re-election.

“In the end, I am sure Raila Odinga… will want the best for William Ruto and this government,” he said.

The senator also noted that discussions on the coalition’s election strategy are ongoing, with potential negotiations covering key positions such as the National Assembly Speaker, all aimed at securing Ruto a second term.

“The discussions are going on… There isn’t yet a firm position on the formula. That formula will include a clear agenda on how ODM will approach the election,” he added, dismissing Odinga’s former opposition as “disorganised” and unlikely to mount a serious challenge in 2027.

However, the announcement has stirred debate within ODM, with some party members threatening to leave if the party endorses Ruto.

Among them is Nairobi Senator and party secretary-general Edwin Sifuna, one of the most vocal critics of backing the president.