Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has left Kenyans guessing about his 2027 presidential ambitions, saying he has not declared his candidacy and is currently more focused on strengthening the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Speaking during an interview with NTV on Sunday, Odinga clarified that while he has not ruled out a run, he also does not feel obligated to do so.
“I have not said that I’m running. I don’t have to run. I can support someone else, but I can also run if I want to. Right now, I’m focused on strengthening ODM,” Odinga said.
The remarks come as ODM gears up for crucial party elections and a National Delegates Convention (NDC) scheduled for October, events expected to define the party’s future direction. Political observers interpret Odinga’s statements as strategic, designed to retain influence while allowing flexibility in future decisions.
Odinga also addressed recent political speculation suggesting a potential alliance between President William Ruto and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. While affirming his cordial relationship with Kalonzo, Odinga dismissed the possibility of such an alignment affecting ODM’s autonomy.
“ODM will follow its own path, rooted in its values and legacy,” he said.
On the contentious issue of ODM members participating in government advisory roles, Odinga acknowledged that the move had caused internal debate. “Initially, I was against it,” he said, referring to the decision to allow ODM-affiliated experts to assist the Kenya Kwanza administration. “But my colleagues felt we needed to steady the ship.”
He was quick to clarify, however, that ODM remains officially in the opposition. There is no formal agreement with the government, nor any structured negotiation or shared policy framework in place.
Odinga emphasized that any future engagement with the government would have to be based on ODM’s 10-point agenda—a document outlining the party’s key priorities for national development and governance reform.
As the political landscape begins to shift ahead of 2027, Odinga’s measured statements suggest a balancing act between maintaining party unity, asserting relevance, and keeping all options open.
