The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) continues to grapple with widening internal rifts following the death of its leader Raila Odinga, with some of its MPs openly backing President William Ruto and questioning the party’s preparedness for the 2027 General Election.
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi says ODM is not ready to field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, insisting that no leader within the party has the capacity to challenge President William Ruto.
“There is nobody in ODM who can run for president as at now because Raila Odinga did not prepare anyone to run for president. If there is a leader who thinks he can run for president, come out and tell us whether you have the capacity to defeat President William Ruto,” Atandi said.
Speaking during a church service in Kanyaluo ward, HomaBay County, the MP dismissed claims by some ODM politicians that the party was ready to field a candidate in 2027, saying those pushing that narrative are only out to create divisions within the party.
“Some of these leaders who are claiming Raila Odinga did not say we endorse Ruto are tiny small leaders. ODM is not ready to field a presidential candidate in 2027. William Ruto is a former member of ODM. We have gone back to our former members to help us rejuvenate ODM,” he said.
Atandi, who chairs the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, warned ODM members opposed to a coalition arrangement with Kenya Kwanza to leave the party, saying ODM has enough capable leaders to replace them.
“If you think you can run for president, you will not use ODM, use your own party. I know some leaders who say that if ODM is going to sign a coalition agreement with President Ruto, they are going to exit. Please exit, we have so many leaders who can fit in your shoes,” he stated.
Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo echoed Atandi’s remarks, insisting that the Luo community remains politically united behind President Ruto.
He dismissed Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s attempts to influence the community’s political direction, describing him as an outsider with no authority to advise the Luo nation.
“The Governor of Trans Nzoia came to Bondo with some funny-looking cows. Other than that, he has no authority to advise the Luo nation. When the people’s president passed on, he left us in Canaan with William Ruto. So Luos are not going anywhere, and Natembeya should know that as Luos, we are united behind President William Ruto,” Odhiambo said.
