ODM (Orange Democratic Movement) leader Raila Odinga has distanced himself from supporting William Ruto in the 2027 presidential polls.
While speaking in Machakos yesterday, the octogenarian politician came out guns blazing, asking people where he said that ODM would cede ground to Ruto’s UDA (United Democratic Alliance) ruling party. In a move that is likely to stir waters in the current Broadbased government arrangement between UDA party and ODM, Raila insisted that his party signed an agreement with Ruto’s UDA until the year 2027, and there is nothing that ties them beyond 2027.
“So, wherever you are, don’t commit the party to some things which have not been discussed. Let those things be discussed first. We are ODM. Who’s told you that ODM will not have a candidate in 2027, who has told you,” Raila said.
Those utterances leave Ruto in an awkward place since people are steadily ditching the party, coupled by brutal attacks from the united opposition led by want-away former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
Raila’s yesterday’s utterances were welcomed warmly by his party secretary Edwin Sifuna, who has openly been in disagreement with the Broadbased bromance.
In the height of last year’s Gen Z demonstrations in Kenya, Raila and Ruto stroke the agreement where ODM party offered five “experts” to work with the government and steady the ship that was ready to sink. Those who were offered positions in government include John Mbadi, as the cabinet secretary for Finance, Ali Hassan Joho, Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy, Wycliffe Oparanya as the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and James Opiyo Wandayi being in charge of Energy.
Many people have accused Raila of choosing the side that is oppressing Kenyans instead of standing with the people. Yesterday’s words will be interpreted to mean that the veteran politician has some surprise cards up his sleeves.
