Why partnership with Ruto is ODM's clearest route to 'Canaan'
Opinion
By
Omondi Anyanga
| Nov 21, 2025
The death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on October 15 has undoubtedly sent Kenya’s political class back to the drawing board. Over the past two weeks, we have witnessed push and shove within his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as factions scramble to navigate a new reality without their influential party leader. Even other parties are reeling from Mr Odinga’s death.
Stakes are high and the party’s future is at stake. Observers have been quick to note last week’s hard-tackle by Raila’s daughter Winnie on new party leader Oburu Odinga regarding the future of the behemoth in the broad-based government. Ms Winnie is emphatic that the party’s National Delegates Conference should convene to offer a way forward.
But from where I sit, ODM is overthinking. The options before the party right now are limited. The surest path to survival and to delivering on the aspirations of its supporters is to maintain its alliance with President William Ruto and his United Democratic Alliance (UDA). This partnership is the clearest route for ODM supporters to reach the proverbial Canaan.
Without any fear of contradiction, ODM is safest in Dr Ruto’s hands. At last week’s ODM 20th anniversary celebrations, the President himself assured that he is ‘back home’ alongside other founders of the party. I foresee a formidable force in ODM-UDA unity.
If ODM were to go it alone in the 2027 elections, who would lead the ticket? Where would the party find the muscle to rally nationwide support? The truth is that the Orange party can realistically only guarantee a competitive candidate in 2034, when President Ruto finishes his second term. There are no two ways to it.
READ MORE
IEBC CEO Marjan downplays claims of plot to rig November by-elections
Israeli strikes kill 27 in Gaza in spite of fragile truce
Oburu Oginga: ODM will not sink under my watch
Why court halted Ruto's PEV settlement plan on disputed 755-acre Ndonga Farm
Why opposition is fighting to block presidential results reverification
Why Kalonzo should be Kenya's next president
Harambee Stars hope to shine as Senegal provide ultimate test
United opposition will break before 2027 election, Lusaka says
Steady the ship
For now, ODM should honour Mr Odinga’s vision by staying the course and supporting a broad-based government through the end of its tenure. The benefits of collaboration are already evident. Key appointments have gone to ODM strongholds, and development projects are underway in Western Kenya, Nyanza, the Coast and Northern regions.
Dr Oburu must steady the ODM ship at whatever cost so that Raila’s tuft remains on the decision-making table. Opposition politics has ruined the western region for far too long. It’s time to explore new horizons in our brand of politics.
We’ve seen it. Ruto has demonstrated enough goodwill to convince ODM supporters that UDA can be a home for their aspirations. By working together, the two parties can advance the shared promise of lifting Kenya from a third-world to a first-world economy.
This is why friends of progress must speak with one voice, urging ODM leaders to set aside parochial interests and focus on the immediate priority of improving the lives of Kenyans. Wanjiku and Atieno of this beloved country cannot wait any longer.
The most patriotic course now is to put politics aside, support the national transformation agenda, and help steady the ship under Ruto’s leadership. It can be done. History offers instructive lessons. But as former President Daniel Moi warned, ‘siasa mbaya, maisha mbaya.’ We must shun name-calling and unnecessary rhetoric being perpetuated by enemies of progress.
Mr Omondi is former MP for Nyatike Constituency