The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has confirmed it will not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, with party leader Oburu Odinga explaining that the party has chosen to support President William Ruto’s bid for a second term under a negotiated coalition agreement.
Speaking during a church fundraiser at St. Pascal’s Chiga Catholic Church in Homa Bay County on Sunday, Oburu said the decision had already been reached as coalition talks between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza administration continue.
He said the arrangement is intended to strengthen the party’s influence in government while ensuring its priorities are reflected in national leadership.
Why ODM will not field a presidential candidate
Addressing congregants, Oburu said ODM had resolved not to front its own presidential candidate in the next General Election and would instead rally behind Ruto.
According to him, the party believes the coalition arrangement offers the best opportunity to advance its agenda while supporting continuity in government.
“In this coalition that we are negotiating, we already know this time around ODM will not field a candidate. So, we are going to support President William Ruto for the second term,” Oburu said.
The announcement signals a major political shift for ODM, which has previously fielded or backed presidential candidates in successive elections.
ODM wants a structured coalition agreement
While confirming support for Ruto, Oburu stressed that ODM’s backing would not be unconditional.
He said the party intends to negotiate a formal coalition framework that clearly outlines how its policies will be incorporated into government and how its members will participate in governance.
According to him, the arrangement should guarantee meaningful representation for ODM and protect the interests of the party and its supporters.
“As we move to support him in the second term, we must go there in a structured manner, knowing what we are going to get as ODM. We are going to make sure our policies are merged in. We are going to make sure structures of participation are there and are known,” he said.
Oburu added that the negotiations are aimed at ensuring ODM remains an influential partner within the broad-based government.
Gladys Wanga cites development projects
ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga backed the party’s decision, saying the region has already begun benefiting from its cooperation with the national government.
She pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects, including road construction and the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Kisumu, as evidence that the partnership is delivering tangible benefits.
According to Wanga, maintaining the working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration could unlock additional development projects for Nyanza and other parts of the country.
Decision marks a new political direction
ODM’s decision represents one of the clearest indications yet that the party intends to remain part of the broad-based government ahead of the 2027 elections.
The move follows months of political realignment after the collapse of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, which unsuccessfully backed Raila Odinga’s presidential bid in the 2022 General Election.
The announcement is also expected to reshape Kenya’s political landscape as parties continue negotiating coalition agreements ahead of the next polls.
Debate over Ruto’s running mate continues
Even as ODM signals support for Ruto’s re-election, discussions over who should become the President’s running mate have continued to gather momentum.
Leaders from Western Kenya have recently intensified calls for Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to be considered for the deputy presidential position under the ODM-Kenya Kwanza partnership.
The proposal has been championed by several leaders from the region, who argue that ODM’s political support should be matched with a senior leadership position in the next administration.
Although no official decision has been announced, the debate is expected to remain a key issue as coalition negotiations progress ahead of the 2027 General Election.
