NAIROBI, Kenya – ODM Party leader Raila Odinga has clarified that his current cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration will not extend beyond the 2027 General Election, insisting the alliance is rooted in the need to stabilise the country—not a long-term political pact.
Speaking during an interview at his Karen residence on Sunday, Odinga said the decision to support the Kenya Kwanza government was borne out of a desire to de-escalate national tensions, not to build a lasting political coalition with Ruto’s UDA party.
“We are supporting this government up to 2027,” Raila said. “We did not say that we are going to work with UDA beyond 2027; those are issues that we will discuss at an appropriate time.”
2027 Still Wide Open
Pressed on his political ambitions, the former Prime Minister remained coy, refusing to confirm whether he would contest the presidency again or back another candidate.
“I don’t have to run for presidency; I can support somebody else, but I can also run if I want to. I have not made a decision because I don’t think it is time to make a decision,” he said.
Raila also confirmed he is in contact with his former Azimio la Umoja coalition partners, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua, amid speculation over realignments heading into 2027.
Defends Role Amid Gen Z Uprising
Odinga addressed criticism from a section of Gen Z protestors and civil society figures who accused him of “betraying” the youth-led anti-government movement by engaging Ruto in a post-protest dialogue.
He defended his actions, saying he was merely stepping in to avert a looming national crisis after Gen Z demonstrators, angered by the Finance Act 2024, stormed Parliament and threatened to march to State House.
“There was a stalemate. The government was trying to bring in the military, and the Gen Zs were not making much progress. The situation could have led to anarchy,” Raila explained. “I stayed away as requested, but at a point where the country was staring into a dangerous abyss, I intervened—not to silence the youth, but to help restore order.”
Odinga argued that the protests had clearly exposed the public’s loss of confidence in all three arms of government—executive, judiciary, and legislature—warning that Kenya was at risk of a complete institutional breakdown.
Political Realignment in the Air?
Raila’s remarks come amid growing speculation about the future of Kenya’s political landscape, with 2027 on the horizon and multiple players—including Gen Z activists—emerging as potential disruptors to traditional political coalitions.
His refusal to rule out a presidential run keeps options open for another high-stakes contest, even as observers note the unprecedented alliance between Kenya’s longtime rivals—Ruto and Raila—has already upended conventional political thinking.
“We are not there yet. When the time comes, we will speak,” Raila said.
