Former spokesperson and press secretary to the late Raila Odinga, Dennis Onsarigo, has revealed that the former Prime Minister had no intention of contesting the 2027 presidential election. Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Onsarigo said Raila was focused on advancing national interests rather than pursuing another bid for State House.
“He was planning to support a side that wanted to take this country to another level,” Onsarigo stated. He explained that Raila’s approach in his later years was guided by the desire to empower communities and political bases that had stood by him throughout his career.
Onsarigo added that Raila remained deeply committed to giving back to his supporters, citing how he influenced key government appointments. Among those mentioned were Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi — appointments that reflected Raila’s efforts to ensure representation and continuity for his allies.
Onsarigo dismissed speculation that Raila was secretly preparing for a 2027 presidential run, saying the former ODM leader had mellowed with time and was more interested in coalition-building and national unity than personal ambition.
However, Raila had previously indicated that the ODM party would field a candidate in 2027, sparking speculation about his role in shaping the political landscape. Onsarigo suggested that evolving alliances could define the next election, even hinting that a partnership between ODM and President William Ruto’s UDA was possible.
“I have a feeling it could have gone all the way with President Ruto to the end,” he remarked, clarifying that this was his personal opinion and not a reflection of Raila’s official position.
Onsarigo reiterated that Raila’s focus before his death was on national progress, not another presidential campaign putting to rest years of speculation about his political future.
