ODM May Ask Ruto to Back Raila in 2027 – Millie Odhiambo
Secretary General Edwin Sifuna criticized the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ODM and Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), terming it as a flop.
Justifying Raila Odinga's decision to work with Ruto, Odhiambo depicted it as a hard but necessary step in maintaining national unity. Photo/ K24 Digital
By Juliet Jerotich
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has hinted that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) might consider requesting President William Ruto’s support for Raila Odinga’s presidency race in 2027.
Speaking on Saturday, July 2, 2025, Odhiambo explained that ODM’s current working arrangement with Ruto’s administration is primarily to stabilize the country amid ongoing political and economic uncertainty. She explained that the working arrangement should not be misinterpreted as endorsing Ruto’s reelection.
Justifying Raila Odinga’s decision to work with Ruto, Odhiambo depicted it as a hard but necessary step in maintaining national unity.
“Raila Odinga has made difficult sacrifices for this country. I have witnessed moments where his life was at risk. Choosing to move the country forward should not be viewed as betrayal,” Odhiambo asserted.
She also noted that the ODM-government coalition does not necessarily translate to political support in the election to come.
“On the basis of stabilizing the nation, we have agreed to run in an expansive government by 2027. But this is not suggesting ODM will back Ruto’s presidency. The talks could also result in calling Ruto to support Raila,” she said.
Her remark comes on recently when ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna criticized the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ODM and Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), terming it as a flop.
Speaking on 22nd July 2025, Sifuna revealed that he had initially opposed the deal, warning that it would irritate members of the public and be mishandled by the government.
“I have already pronounced this MoU dead. I warned the party against signing this agreement, yet we proceeded. With time, my fears have been confirmed,” Sifuna said.
The Nairobi Senator had blamed Ruto’s administration for using the MoU for publicity purposes rather than genuine political collaboration.
“They wanted a document they can parade and claim to be together, rather than a binding agreement,” Sifuna noted, stating that he declined to constitute a new team assessing its implementation.
According to Sifuna, the deal was to provide security to citizens’ lives and have democratic stability until 2027. Political calm had been achieved for the most part although he admitted that “our people are still being killed,” that is, the deal had not completely lived up to its purpose.
About Author
