Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has made it clear that the opposition’s support for President William Ruto in the 2027 general election is not automatic, challenging the narrative of a guaranteed political alliance.
Speaking during a recent public engagement, the outspoken Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislator emphasized that the 2027 political landscape remains fluid and subject to strategic negotiation.
“We Can Also Ask Ruto to Support Raila”
Millie Odhiambo suggested that it is possible for President Ruto to back former Prime Minister Raila Odinga instead of expecting the opposition’s blanket support.
“It’s not automatic that it is a must that it is Ruto that we will support in 2027. We can also ask the President to support Raila. It is an issue of negotiation,” she said.
Her comments come amid ongoing bipartisan talks and speculation around a broad-based government, following increased political cooperation between Ruto and Raila in recent months.
A New Political Equation?
Millie’s remarks appear to push back against recent perceptions that Raila Odinga and his Azimio allies might gradually tilt toward endorsing Ruto’s second-term bid, especially after Raila’s AU Commission Chairmanship endorsement by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
However, Millie maintains that no political alliance is cast in stone, and that future support will depend on policy, inclusivity, and negotiations, not assumptions.
Political analysts say her comments could be a signal that ODM and the broader Azimio coalition are preparing to leverage their political weight more tactically in the lead-up to 2027.
Background: Ruto-Raila Thaw in Relations
The Ruto-Raila relationship, once deeply adversarial, has seen notable warming in recent months. Raila’s public engagements with Ruto, including State House meetings and joint international forums, have sparked talk of an emerging alliance or a new handshake 2.0.
Still, many in the ODM camp remain cautious, with leaders like Millie reminding supporters that coalition decisions will be based on interests, not personalities.
What Next?
As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 general election, all eyes will be on how the Azimio coalition positions itself, whether it negotiates from within the system or seeks an alternative candidate.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Kwanza camp will be watching closely to see if President Ruto’s overtures to the opposition will translate into political dividends—or whether they may be outmaneuvered by a reinvigorated Raila Odinga bid.
Related Stories on Sauce.co.ke
- Raila Odinga Hints at Possible 2027 Run Amid AU Bid
- Handshake 2.0? Inside Ruto-Raila’s Growing Political Chemistry
