The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has set conditions for supporting President William Ruto's re-election in 2027. According to ODM deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) must recognize the party's political strength and consider its leaders for senior positions. This statement was made during a rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi, marking the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The rally, attended by several ODM leaders, saw Nassir ask the crowd if ODM had leaders qualified to serve as deputy president. The crowd responded by chanting the name of Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, signalling their preference for him to deputise Ruto in the 2027 General Election. This demand could complicate negotiations between ODM and UDA, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and leaders from the Mt Kenya region expected to seek to retain the position.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati, also an ODM deputy party leader, stated that the party would field its candidate for Nairobi governor in 2027. Arati emphasized that ODM would stand on the rights left by Raila Odinga and seek to win a significant number of elective positions in Nairobi. He urged young people to register as voters, highlighting the party's commitment to strengthening its presence in the city.
Homa Bay Governor and ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga reaffirmed the party's commitment to the broad-based arrangement. Wanga expressed confidence that ODM would win a significant number of seats in Nairobi, stating that the party would secure the Nairobi governor, MCA, MPs, Senator, and every other seat in 2027. She also urged Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua to stop attacking ODM.
Wanga and Arati accused Gachagua of promoting tribal and divisive politics. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed echoed these sentiments, questioning why Gachagua continued to comment on ODM if he believed the party was politically dead. Mohamed urged former members who had left ODM to stop interfering in its affairs, stating that if a party is dead, it should be left alone.
Hassan Joho described Nairobi as an ODM stronghold and called on Gachagua to leave the party alone, emphasizing that ODM remained united. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi noted that the turnout at Jacaranda Grounds demonstrated ODM's significant support in Nairobi. He urged those seeking to carry on Raila's legacy to remain in the party.
The ODM's demands and statements come ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the party seeking to solidify its position in Nairobi and other regions. The possible claim to the Deputy President's post and the party's commitment to fielding candidates in various seats will likely influence future negotiations with UDA and other political parties.
Key points
- ODM demands recognition from UDA and a possible claim to the Deputy President's post.
- The party seeks to field its candidate for Nairobi governor in 2027.
- ODM accuses Rigathi Gachagua of promoting tribal and divisive politics.
