Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has publicly stated that the political faction associated with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will extend its support to President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential election. This declaration, made on Monday, October 20, 2025, comes shortly after Odinga's state funeral and burial, which concluded on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Kaluma's sentiments, shared on X (formerly Twitter), expressed gratitude for the state honours bestowed upon Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India while undergoing treatment. Odinga was accorded a state funeral at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, followed by a state burial with full military protocol at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

"You, President William Ruto, honoured Baba; our Father, our Mentor and our Leader. You valued Baba and walked with him in his last days in this ungrateful World. In his death, you stood with us in words and indeed. WE ARE GRATEFUL. WE ARE NOW YOUR PEOPLE. BEYOND OBEYING BABA’S DIRECTIONS TO US, WE’LL APPRECIATE YOU IN 2027," Kaluma posted.

Internal Divisions within ODM

Kaluma's pledge, however, highlights emerging divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) regarding its strategy for the 2027 elections. Just hours before Kaluma's statement, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna publicly differed with Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga over the late Raila Odinga's final instructions concerning the party's political stance.

Speaking during the state funeral service on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Senator Sifuna emphasised Odinga's call for the party to prepare for electoral contests in 2027. He stated in Swahili, "Raila aliongea wazi mbele ya nchi nzima, tarehe 22, mwezi uliopita, mbele ya hawa wabunge katika hoteli pale Nairobi, Baba aliongea kwa kinywa chake yeye mwenyewe, naomba viongozi msiingize maneno kwa mtu ambaye amelala, Baba alisema mwenyewe, akasema kama chama lazima tujiandae kwa ajili ya uchaguzi wa 2027." This translates to: "Raila spoke clearly before the entire nation on the 22nd of last month, before these MPs in a hotel in Nairobi, Baba spoke with his own mouth, I ask leaders not to put words in the mouth of someone who is deceased, Baba himself said that as a party, we must prepare for the 2027 elections."

In contrast, Governor Wanga, who also serves as the ODM National Chairperson, has interpreted Odinga's directive as a call to maintain the party's role within a broad-based government, implying continued cooperation with the current administration. Wanga has previously stated that ODM is strengthening its grassroots structures and is open to forming coalitions ahead of 2027.

Historical and Political Context

The debate over ODM's 2027 strategy is set against the backdrop of a political pact between Odinga and President Ruto, which saw ODM figures integrated into a "broad-based government." This arrangement, which followed months of anti-government protests, aimed to foster national unity and stability.

Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics, had a history of forming alliances with sitting presidents after contentious elections, including with Daniel Arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta. His death has created a significant leadership vacuum within the opposition, raising questions about the future direction of the ODM party, which was largely built around his charismatic leadership.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

The differing interpretations of Odinga's final wishes highlight the struggle for influence within ODM. Senator Sifuna has consistently advocated for ODM to maintain its independence and contest the 2027 elections with its own presidential candidate. He has even threatened to leave the party if it endorses President Ruto's re-election bid.

Conversely, leaders like Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and Governor Gladys Wanga appear to favour a continued working relationship with the government, citing the benefits of such an alliance. Kaluma has previously stated that President Ruto would be re-elected in 2027 if Odinga did not vie for the presidency.

Risks and Implications

The internal discord within ODM could lead to fragmentation, potentially weakening the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election. The absence of a unified opposition figure could provide a strategic advantage to President Ruto's re-election campaign.

Unknowns and Controversies

The exact nature and timing of Raila Odinga's "final instructions" remain a point of contention. While Senator Sifuna refers to a public statement made in September, other leaders interpret Odinga's broader engagement with the government as a directive for continued cooperation. The question of who will ultimately inherit Odinga's political mantle and lead ODM into the next election cycle is also a significant unknown.

What to Watch

The coming months will be crucial for the ODM party as it navigates its post-Odinga era. Observers will be watching for how the party resolves its internal differences and articulates a clear strategy for the 2027 elections. The selection of a new party leader and the potential for new alliances will significantly shape Kenya's political landscape.