The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will not present a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election and will instead support President William Ruto’s re-election bid, party leader Oburu Oginga has announced.
Oburu said the decision was part of ongoing coalition negotiations aimed at strengthening the broad-based government and securing development opportunities for the Nyanza region.
Speaking during a church fundraiser at St Pascal’s Chiga Catholic Church in Homa Bay Town on Sunday, Oburu said ODM had already agreed to support President Ruto for a second term.
“In this coalition that we are negotiating, we already know this time round ODM will not field a candidate. So, we are going to support President William Ruto for the second term,” Oburu said.
He said the party would only proceed with the arrangement after securing clear terms on its participation, including the integration of its policies and structures within the coalition.
“As we move to support him in the second term, knowing what we are going to get as ODM. We are going to make sure structures of participation are there and are known,” said Oburu.
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The announcement marks a significant shift in ODM’s political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party choosing to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration rather than field its own presidential contender.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga backed the move, saying the broad-based government had delivered major projects in Nyanza, including road improvements and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Kisumu.
She said the region would continue supporting the administration because of the development projects being implemented.
Other leaders who spoke during the event also defended the broad-based government, pointing to ongoing investments in infrastructure and healthcare as evidence of its benefits to the region.
Meanwhile, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo urged religious leaders to ensure churches are not used as platforms for promoting hatred and division among Kenyans.
The announcement comes as political parties and alliances intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 General Election, with negotiations over possible partnerships and presidential contenders continuing to shape the country’s political landscape.
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