Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has dismissed claims that the party may skip fielding a presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, saying no such decision has been made.
Speaking on Monday during an ODM Parliamentary Group meeting in Machakos, Raila cautioned party members against making premature commitments.
“So, wherever you are, don’t commit the party to some things which have not been discussed. We are ODM. Who’s told you that ODM will not have a candidate in 2027?” he said.
The ODM boss emphasized that the party already has a clear roadmap, anchored on the pact signed earlier this year with President William Ruto’s UDA. He clarified that the agreement was designed to stabilize the country and address pressing national challenges, not to sideline ODM’s future role.
“We have a clear plan that we have negotiated and agreed on. Let us continue to implement that plan. Other decisions we’ll take when the time comes,” Raila added.
Raila’s remarks follow a statement by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who had already affirmed that ODM would indeed present a candidate in the next election.
The debate comes amid ongoing speculation about the shape of alliances ahead of 2027, as both ODM and UDA navigate a delicate balance between cooperation and competition.
