The debate over the Orange Democratic Movement’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election has taken a dramatic twist after senior party figures boldly asserted that President William Ruto needs ODM more than the party needs him.
Speaking during an ODM Youth Convention, Siaya Governor James Orengo and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna dismissed growing claims that the party lacks a viable presidential candidate. Instead, they argued that ODM remains a formidable national force, one that the President himself hopes to leverage as he seeks to fortify his political position before 2027.
Orengo criticised unnamed leaders within the party whom he accused of projecting desperation.
“Ruto needs ODM, not the other way around. Some people are behaving as if ODM is the one seeking favour, and that is simply not true,” he said.
The governor further warned that supporting Ruto’s re-election would leave ODM politically exposed.
“If in 2027 you make Ruto the president, where does that leave ODM? I don’t know why this party is becoming a party of cowards.”
Sifuna reinforced the message, urging party members to reject narratives portraying ODM as politically weakened or unable to produce a presidential contender.
“If we rally behind any one of us, we can win. Let us stop begging for what rightfully belongs to us.”
The renewed confidence among ODM hardliners follows a powerful intervention from Winnie Odinga, who accused some party members of attempting to secretly sell out the movement.
“ODM was not born in a bedroom, and its future will not be decided through pillow talk,” she declared, vowing to defend the party’s legacy.
Her remarks re-energised the faction that strongly opposes any cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration. As ODM continues to grapple with internal tensions, the message from its top leaders is clear: the party is not ready to play second fiddle—and certainly not ready to be “swallowed.”
