BONDO, Kenya — Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has announced his decision to shift political allegiance to President William Ruto, marking a significant political realignment in the wake of former Prime Minister, the late Raila Amolo Odinga’s death.
Speaking on Sunday, October 19, Atandi reflected on his long-standing loyalty to the late ODM leader, saying his decision was guided by the values of loyalty and continuity that Raila had instilled in him.
“Raila Odinga taught me the politics of loyalty. I’ve been intensely loyal to Raila Odinga since I was born. I never crossed his path. Today, I have transferred my political loyalty to President Ruto,” Atandi stated.
His declaration comes amid growing signs of a political shift within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following Raila’s passing, as several leaders pledge to maintain cooperation with President Ruto’s administration.
During Raila’s state funeral in Bondo on Sunday, President William Ruto hinted at a potential partnership with ODM ahead of the 2027 General Election, vowing to protect the party’s legacy and unity.
“By the grace of God, ODM will either form the government or be part of the next government,” Ruto said. “What I cannot allow, out of respect for Raila, is for those who want to destroy the ODM party and go play opposition politics outside. That will not happen.”
The President’s remarks follow earlier comments by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who declared that ODM would “remain in government until 2027 and beyond,” citing Raila’s desire for cooperation.
“Baba has left us in government led by President Ruto, and that is where we are going to stay till the end,” Wandayi said on Friday, October 17. “We shall walk step by step with President Ruto to the end, now and beyond 2027.”
However, not all ODM members share this enthusiasm. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi cautioned against turning Raila’s funeral into a platform for political declarations.
“It is not proper for some ODM leaders to come to Baba’s funeral crying that Raila Odinga left the Nyanza people in government,” Amisi said. “Let us mourn first, then tell us where he left you.”
As Kenya adjusts to a post-Raila political landscape, ODM’s direction — whether to align with the ruling administration or reclaim its opposition roots — remains one of the most consequential questions for the country’s political future.
