NAIROBI, Kenya – Political activist Kasmuel McOure has declared unconditional support for President William Ruto’s re-election, saying he has transferred the political loyalty he previously gave the late Raila Odinga to the Head of State.
McOure said Ruto’s victory in the 2027 General Election had become his overriding political objective, warning that he would distance himself from individuals whose interests could undermine the President’s re-election campaign.
In a statement, the activist said he had paid a significant personal price for his political position and would not allow political differences or individual ambitions to derail Ruto’s second-term bid.
“President William Ruto’s decisive victory in 2027 will be my only ideological vindication,” he said.
He added that the loyalty he once extended to Raila had now shifted to Ruto, insisting that support for the President should not depend on particular individuals or political rewards.
“The unwavering loyalty I once had for H.E. Raila Odinga has now been transferred to President William Ruto. Support for President Ruto must be unconditional. I consider it a matter of principle,” McOure stated.
Kasmuel’s Position Comes Amid ODM Power-Sharing Debate
McOure’s declaration comes as ODM leaders negotiate the terms of the party’s political cooperation with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
The debate has increasingly centred on whether ODM should support Ruto’s re-election through a formal pre-election agreement guaranteeing the party a substantial share of government.
Homa Bay Governor and ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga has publicly proposed a 50-50 arrangement between UDA and ODM, including an equal distribution of government positions.
Speaking during a party delegates’ meeting in Turkana, Wanga said ODM expected to receive the Deputy President’s position if UDA provided the presidential candidate.
She also argued that Cabinet positions should be shared equally, saying that if UDA received 10 slots, ODM should receive the same number.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and other senior party figures have similarly pushed for negotiations that secure clear commitments before the next election.
However, the proposed arrangement remains subject to negotiations between the two parties and should not be mistaken for an already concluded power-sharing agreement.
Deputy President Position Emerges as Key Issue
The Deputy President’s position is among the prominent offices likely to feature in the negotiations.
Kithure Kindiki currently holds the position and has expressed confidence in his prospects of retaining it in a possible Ruto re-election administration.
Other political figures have also been linked to discussions about the position, reflecting the competing interests that could shape the eventual UDA-ODM agreement.
The question of who occupies the office is particularly significant because ODM leaders have indicated that their support for Ruto should come with meaningful representation in the next government.
Growing Differences Over Support for Ruto
McOure’s position also comes against the backdrop of disagreements within ODM over how the party should approach its relationship with the President.
While some leaders advocate a formal written agreement to protect the party’s interests, others have questioned whether such a document should be the defining condition for political cooperation.
The debate has exposed different approaches to the 2027 contest: unconditional political backing for Ruto on one side and negotiations for guaranteed positions and influence on the other.
