Kenya, June 28 -- Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Raila Odinga, has said he supports President William Ruto's government, turning down a proposal from opposition leaders to join forces against the government for the upcoming 2027 General Election.

Speaking at an event in Kisumu, Raila responded to offers from opposition leaders, like Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who suggested a unity plan for the 2027 election, promising to work together for the 2032 election afterwards.

Raila mentioned, "Some of them disrespected us, saying we were outsiders. Can you work with such people?" This shows he wants to stay aligned with Ruto.

His decision comes at a time when Kenya's political situation is unstable, and there have been ongoing protests by the younger generation (Gen Z). This has led to discussions about ODM's role and Raila's reputation as a leader for democracy.

Raila's decision follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2025 between ODM and Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA). This agreement aimed to create a "broad-based government" after the serious protests in 2024, which resulted in the deaths of over 60 people and caused trouble for Ruto's government.

The MoU was signed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi and included ODM leaders like Hassan Joho (Mining), John Mbadi (Treasury), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy) in the Cabinet. This decision led to accusations of political opportunism.

Raila defended this partnership by saying, "We took an opportunity to support our communities. I'm not going anywhere; we'll work with Ruto together."

However, this has caused disagreements within ODM, with supporters like Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna saying the party should remain in opposition.

The rejected proposal from the opposition, which included Kalonzo and Gachagua, aimed to challenge Ruto's re-election efforts by focusing on issues like police violence, kidnappings, and corruption.

Raila's refusal, based on previous insults from leaders like Kalonzo-who once claimed to want to "chase" ODM from State House-indicates his strategic decision to stay with Ruto.

He declared, "No one else can lead my people politically. I will guide them when it's time," showing his control over ODM's supporters in regions like Nyanza, Coast, and Western.

Political analyst Javas Bigambo noted that Raila's loyalty to Ruto is a way to keep ODM's influence, even while allies like Kisumu's Ruth Odinga hint at a possible presidential run in the future.

Critics, including Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, argue that Raila's partnership weakens the role of the opposition, leaving Kenya without a strong counterbalance.

Former CS Justin Muturi criticised Raila, saying he is working with a president accused of wrongdoing, mentioning the case of blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia, who has been missing since a raid on June 21 by the DCI.

Gachagua, who now leads the DCP, claimed that state-sponsored groups targeted Kikuyu businesses during the protests on June 25 and alleged police involvement-issues that Raila has not directly addressed.

Raila's partnership with Ruto, which became stronger after his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission earlier in February 2025, has changed Kenya's political situation.

Ruto's efforts to win support in Nyanza, including projects like the Suna West Technical College, aim to weaken ODM's support, and Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko has encouraged residents to support Ruto until 2027.

However, Sifuna's comments in February 2025 on Citizen TV, "Even with Raila's support, Ruto will lose," reveal divisions within the ODM.

The High Court's rejection of the proposed opposition leadership role complicated Raila's plans, as critics like Saboti MP Caleb Amisi call the Ruto-ODM agreement a "trick" to silence voices of dissent.

As Kenya deals with demands for accountability led by young people amid 80 reported abductions since 2024, Raila's support for Ruto could alienate his supporters.

With the elections in 2027 approaching, his choice to focus on unity instead of leading the opposition has changed ODM's role, leaving many wondering if this alliance will help Ruto get re-elected or damage Raila's legacy.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.