No ODM presidential candidate for 2027 poll
CAPTION: Oburu Oginga declared that ODM will not field a presidential candidate in 2027. Photo: William Ruto. Source: Facebook
By Agencies
Homa Bay – The Orange Democratic Movement has confirmed it will not present a presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections, with party leader Oburu Oginga declaring that ODM will instead throw its weight behind President William Ruto’s re-election campaign.
“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.
ODM Sets Conditions for Coalition Support
While confirming the backing, Oburu was clear that ODM’s support would not be unconditional. He said the party intends to enter the arrangement in a structured way, ensuring its policy priorities are incorporated and that its members are guaranteed meaningful participation in government.
“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 framed the decision as a strategic move to protect Nyanza’s interests within the national government framework and to deepen the gains already made through the broad-based arrangement.
Gladys Wanga Backs the Decision
ODM chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga echoed Oburu’s position, pointing to visible development gains in the region under the current administration as the basis for the party’s continued support.
Wanga cited ongoing infrastructure projects, including road construction and the proposed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Kisumu, as evidence that the region stands to benefit from maintaining its alliance with Ruto ahead of the next election cycle.
ODM’s entry into the broad-based government arrangement has since been a subject of intense internal debate within the party and the wider opposition.
