The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party will not present its own presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election and will instead support President William Ruto’s bid for a second term, party leader Oburu Oginga has announced. Speaking during a church fundraiser at St. Pascal’s Chiga Catholic Church in Homa Bay Town on Sunday, Oburu said ODM had agreed to back President Ruto as part of ongoing coalition talks aimed at strengthening the broad-based government.
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 Oginga ODM Seeks Structured Partnership in Broad-Based Government
Oburu said the decision was intended to promote national unity while ensuring the Nyanza region continues benefiting from government development programmes. He noted that ODM would seek a structured agreement within the coalition, with clear commitments on policy integration and participation in government.
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 and that structures of participation are there and are known
Oburu Oginga Wanga Backs Ruto Support Deal
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga backed the decision, saying the Nyanza region had benefited from projects implemented under the broad-based government. Wanga, who is also the Homa Bay Governor, cited infrastructure developments such as road projects and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Kisumu as some of the gains made in the region. She said the progress would influence the region’s decision to support President Ruto’s re-election bid.
Wanga Defends IEBC
The ODM chairperson also defended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), saying the electoral body had demonstrated credibility during recent by-elections. She called on leaders to allow the commission to operate independently and provide a conducive environment for it to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
Leaders Defend Broad-Based Government
Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omollo urged religious leaders to ensure churches remain spaces that promote peace and unity rather than platforms for spreading hate and division. Other leaders who attended the event defended the broad-based government, pointing to ongoing investments in infrastructure and healthcare as evidence of its impact in the region. The ODM position marks a significant shift ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the party now preparing to negotiate its role within a coalition supporting President Ruto’s second-term campaign.
