NAIROBI, Kenya- Senator Ledama Olekina has declared that he is done with what he described as permanent opposition politics, saying he will support President William Ruto’s administration rather than keep his community outside government.
Speaking after a meeting with President Ruto at State House, Mombasa, Olekina said he expects to attend the next presidential inauguration from “inside” government.
“I have never attended a presidential inauguration because I spent my whole political life in opposition with Raila,” Olekina said.
“In 2027, I will finally attend one from the inside. Never again will I sacrifice my people on the altar of opposition politics.”
Raila’s role in political shift
Olekina said his decision to work with President Ruto was influenced by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom he described as his political mentor.
According to the senator, Raila personally asked him to work with President Ruto before his death, an arrangement he said he accepted.
“Before he died, he handed me over to Ruto. I accepted,” Olekina said.
The Narok senator has in recent months become one of the most vocal defenders of cooperation between ODM leaders and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He has argued that political leaders should focus on securing development for their communities instead of remaining in opposition simply to appear politically principled.
“The era of permanent opposition is over,” he said.
From critic to Ruto ally
Olekina’s latest remarks underline how far his relationship with President Ruto has changed.
For years, the senator was among the most outspoken critics of President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration, frequently challenging the government on taxation, the cost of living, public spending and policy decisions.
He also previously criticised State House meetings and county tours, arguing that they did not directly improve the lives of Kenyans.
However, he has since said his position changed after Raila’s engagement with President Ruto opened the door for cooperation between ODM and UDA leaders.
In recent interviews, Olekina has cited roads, the near-completion of Narok Airport and other projects as examples of the development gains he believes Narok can secure through working with the national government.
He has argued that leaders must be willing to engage the government of the day if doing so brings services and infrastructure closer to their people.
A message for 2027
Olekina’s declaration is likely to strengthen President Ruto’s efforts to build support among leaders who previously occupied the opposition ranks.
It also places the Narok senator firmly on the side of leaders backing President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, even as the wider opposition continues to negotiate a possible united front.
The senator has previously urged Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition leaders to consider working with President Ruto, arguing that political cooperation can unlock development for communities.
Olekina has said he will seek re-election as Narok Senator in 2027, while keeping a longer-term presidential ambition for 2032.
His latest comments do not amount to a formal UDA-ODM election pact. However, they offer another sign that the broad-based political arrangement is reshaping alliances ahead of next year’s election.
For Olekina, the decision is now framed as a choice between opposition politics and direct engagement with the government. For President Ruto, it is another boost from a leader who was once one of his fiercest critics.
