ODM leaders' mixed signals fuel confusion over 2027 election plans

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is currently at a crossroads, with its top leadership appearing to be in a dilemma over whether to support President William Ruto in the 2027 election or field a candidate in the general election.

Recently, the party’s leadership has been sending mixed signals since Ruto decided to support former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).

The perception that the party is working closely with the government was reinforced when Ruto appointed four ODM men in his newly reformed cabinet last year.

However, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has made it clear that the party remains in the opposition, stating that he has been instructed by Raila to ensure the party maintains its identity. “Some people have told me not to speak out whenever things go wrong in the country, fearing I might spoil Raila’s chances of being elected chair of the AUC by certain leaders within our party. My mandate is to maintain the identity of ODM,” Sifuna said.

The Nairobi Senator also remarked at a funeral in Siaya on Saturday that it was wrong for some party members to become sycophantic and criticise him for his position. He argued that if something is wrong in the current administration, it should be pointed out, as the President had promised to serve all Kenyans equally.

Siaya Governor James Orengo believes that ODM should maintain its identity as an opposition party that offers hope to Kenyans by championing the interests of the citizens. ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, however, has defended the Ruto administration, arguing that the cabinet positions given to ODM members are not favours, but efforts by the President to unite the country.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, a staunch ODM supporter, is now having second thoughts. He says that the Gusii community has been closely scrutinising the current developments and is now working towards establishing its own political party. “The 2010 constitution liberated us from the servitude of undemocratic practices, allowing us to make independent choices and participate freely and fairly in political pursuits, pushing for our equitable role on the political front,” said Onyonka.

Former ODM Deputy Party Leader Hassan Joho’s name stands out among those who have made the dramatic shift to being the State’s key defender, an administration, he had strongly criticised over a year ago. As Cabinet Secretary for Mining and the Blue Economy, he has been vocal about those he claims are unfairly criticising the Ruto administration on online platforms. “It is upon all of us to be responsible since we have only one country, which we must protect at all times...,” Joho said.

While being vetted for the CS position, Joho acknowledged that only a fool does not change their mind and recognised that he now had an opportunity to make a difference.

Wycliffe Oparanya, Cooperatives and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises CS, previously a harsh critic of the hustler programme, also reversed his stance. During his vetting for the position, he admitted that he had no facts to back up his previous statements and, after being briefed, came to appreciate the role of the fund.

Former ODM National Chairman John Mbadi, now National Treasury CS once a vocal critic of the government, found himself in a difficult position, having to defend the government’s stance on the Adani Limited deal regarding the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport project. “As CS, I have no authority to stop the process, as other agencies are involved. If there is anything wrong, the matter will be handled accordingly,” said Mbadi.

Former National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi who was appointed CS for Energy, and who was a staunch critic of the current administration is also now fully supportive of it.