Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has announced that the party will not present a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, saying it has instead resolved to support President William Ruto’s bid for a second term.
Speaking during a church fundraiser at St. Pascal’s Chiga Catholic Church in Homa Bay Town on Sunday, Oburu said the decision forms part of ongoing discussions within the broad-based political arrangement and is intended to strengthen cooperation between the two sides.
“In this coalition that we are negotiating. We already know this time around ODM will not field a candidate. So, we are going to support President William Ruto for the second term,” Oburu said.
He explained that ODM’s support would be guided by a formal agreement to safeguard the party’s interests and ensure its development agenda is reflected in government.
“As we move to support him in the second term. We must go there in a structured manner. Knowing what we are going to get as ODM. We are going to make sure our policies are merged in. We are going to make sure structures of participation are there and are known,” he added.
ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga echoed the sentiments, saying the broad-based government had facilitated key development projects in the Nyanza region, including road infrastructure and the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Kisumu. She said the region would therefore support President Ruto’s re-election bid.
Wanga also defended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), arguing that the commission demonstrated credibility during last year’s by-elections. She called on political leaders to allow the electoral body to carry out its constitutional responsibilities without interference.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo urged religious institutions to remain spaces that promote peace and unity, cautioning against allowing churches to be used for messages that encourage hatred or political division.
Other leaders who attended the fundraiser also voiced support for the broad-based government, pointing to ongoing investments in infrastructure, healthcare and other development projects.
Their remarks reflected growing backing within sections of ODM for continued cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the 2027 General Election, even as political negotiations between the two sides continue.
