In a bold and clarifying statement, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has drawn a clear line regarding his cooperation with President William Ruto, stating that the current political collaboration will end in 2027.
Speaking during a televised interview with NTV from his Karen residence, the veteran opposition figure emphasized that his engagement with the Kenya Kwanza government is purely transitional and aimed at stabilizing the nation, not a political marriage of convenience.
“We have said that we are in the broad-based government until 2027,” Raila affirmed. “We did not say that we are going to work with UDA beyond 2027. Those are issues that we will discuss at the appropriate time, and the decision will be made by party members, not Raila Odinga alone.”
This declaration comes at a time when political temperatures are rising, with speculation mounting about possible realignments ahead of the next general election.
Raila’s recent appearances alongside President Ruto had sparked rumors of a long-term alliance, causing unease within both the opposition and ruling camps. His latest remarks, however, suggest a deliberate effort to quell those rumors and reassert the independence of his party.
Raila reiterated that the cooperation was born out of the need for a national dialogue—a “conclave”—to address pressing national issues, including the cost of living, electoral reforms, and corruption. He also recalled the 2023 protests that led to the deaths of nearly 70 Kenyans, underlining the human cost of unresolved grievances.
Importantly, Raila remained noncommittal about his own political ambitions in 2027, leaving room for speculation but insisting that any decision would follow due party processes.
His statement may signal a recalibration of Kenya’s political landscape, with ODM potentially positioning itself for an independent run in the next election or a redefined role as the opposition.
