Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga has officially declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 General Election, stating that he will be the party’s flagbearer should ODM decide to field its own candidate.
Speaking on Wednesday, December 31, Oburu said the party will remain in its broad-based political arrangement with the Kenya Kwanza government until 2027, in line with an agreement reached by his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
However, he noted that ODM will make a definitive decision on whether to contest the presidency independently or enter into a coalition with other political parties before the end of 2026.
“2026 is a crucial year for our party because things must be worked out before 2027. Before the end of 2026, we shall have clearly known and made all necessary arrangements going into 2027,” Oburu stated.
ODM Decision on Coalition to Be Made in 2026
Oburu emphasised that the party will use the coming year to evaluate its political strategy, including whether to go it alone or form alliances ahead of the next election.
“Before the end of the year, our party will have known whether we are going it alone or going into a coalition with other parties, and we shall have by that time known whom we’re going with,” he added.
ODM Constitution Names Party Leader as Presidential Candidate
The ODM leader made it clear that, according to the party’s constitution, the party leader automatically becomes the presidential candidate if ODM chooses to contest the presidency independently.
“If we’re going it alone, I want to make it clear that our Constitution has the presidential candidate for our party, and it is the party leader. I am the presidential candidate for ODM if the party decides to go it alone,” Oburu said.
He further warned party members with presidential ambitions to seek alternative platforms if ODM opts to field a single candidate under its constitutional framework.
“Anybody who is preparing himself to go for presidential elections in ODM, I think is misplaced. If they want to go for the presidency, they should look for another party,” he asserted.
2027 Political Landscape Takes Shape
Oburu Odinga’s declaration comes as political parties begin early preparations for the 2027 General Election, with coalition talks, leadership succession, and party strategies expected to dominate Kenya’s political discourse in the coming months.
ODM’s final decision on whether to back a coalition candidate or field its own contender is expected to significantly shape the 2027 race.
