Raila Odinga Clarifies ODM Will Decide Candidate in 2027 “When Time Comes”

Machakos, Kenya — 2025-09-22 17:00 EAT.

ODM leader Raila Odinga has dismissed speculation that his party will not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, insisting no such resolution has been adopted. During an ODM Parliamentary Group meeting on Monday, Raila emphasized that any decisions related to alliances or candidacy will be made through the party’s formal processes at the appropriate time.

1) The Latest

• Raila addressed ODM MPs in Machakos, warning them against “committing the party to some things which have not been discussed.” He asked members not to presume or announce decisions before party organs have deliberated. 

• He said ODM has “a clear plan that we have negotiated and we have agreed on,” referring to earlier cooperation under the 2025 pact with UDA, but reiterated that this does not equate to forgoing the party’s option to field its own candidate in 2027. 

• The speech comes after reports and statements by some local ODM leaders suggesting uncertainty over whether ODM would present a candidate or continue supporting UDA. Raila sought to dispel those notions. 

2) Context in Brief

• ODM signed a cooperation pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) earlier in 2025. Part of that pact has been interpreted by some to mean ODM might not field a candidate in 2027. 

• Earlier in December 2024, Raila had publicly confirmed that ODM will field a presidential candidate in 2027, a statement used by analysts and opponents to press for clarity. 

• The current clarification aims to manage expectations within ODM and among the Kenyan public, in face of rumours and mixed messaging. 

3) Law, Policy & Process

• Under ODM’s internal constitution and Kenyan political party norms, decisions such as fielding a candidate require formal discussion in party organs (like the Parliamentary Group, NEC, or Party Convention). Raila’s statement underscores this process. 

• The cooperation pact with UDA is valid until 2027. However, that pact does not legally bind ODM from making independent decisions beyond cooperative arrangements. 

• Legally, there is no requirement for a party to publicly announce its candidate until nominations are due, but premature declarations can have political and strategic consequences.

4) Voices & Stakeholders

• Raila Odinga (ODM Leader):

  “So, wherever you are, don’t commit the party to some things which have not been discussed. Let those things be discussed first. We are ODM. Who’s told you that ODM will not have a candidate in 2027, who has told you?” 

• Party Members / Local Leaders: Some had publicly speculated about ODM not fielding its own candidate or aligning fully with UDA, prompting this warning and clarification from the top. 

• Analysts: Political analysts are interpreting this as an attempt to preserve ODM’s bargaining power and flexibility ahead of the 2027 polls. The clarification helps reduce ambiguity among members and stakeholders. (Derived from reportage)

5) Evidence & Data Box

6) Risks & Implications

• Strategic Ambiguity vs Clarity: While flexibility can benefit ODM, continuous ambiguity may lead to internal divisions or erode public confidence.

• Alliance Dynamics: This stance allows ODM to keep options open with respect to UDA or other alliances, depending on how public sentiment, internal strength, and political fortunes evolve.

• Campaign Planning & Messaging: Early clarity is useful for planning campaigns, fundraising, and grassroots mobilization; delayed decisions may create logistical challenges.

• Voter Perception: Voters may interpret ODM’s warning and caution either as maturity or as indecision—how Raila and other leaders follow through will matter.

7) What We Don’t Know Yet

• Exactly when and through which party body (NEC, Convention, etc.) ODM will officially decide on its 2027 presidential candidate.

• Whether ODM’s final candidate will be from within the party or as part of a negotiated alliance.

• How UDA views this clarification — whether it considers it pursuit of independence or simply affirmation of the existing pact.

• Whether this stance will influence or shape statements by other political parties or opposition groups.

8) Timeline

• Dec 2024: Raila publicly confirms ODM will field a candidate in 2027. 

• Earlier 2025: ODM signs cooperation pact with UDA. 

• Sept 22, 2025: Raila clarifies in Machakos that no resolution has yet been adopted regarding 2027 candidature. 

9) What to Watch Next

• When ODM’s NEC or Party Convention convenes to resolve the question of candidate/alliances.

• Any public or media leaks that suggest which individuals or factions are pushing for particular strategies.

• UDA leadership’s response — whether they perceive ODM’s clarification as confirming or limiting the pact.

• Public opinion and polling data, if available, that may shape ODM’s decision-making.

Editor’s Note: This article will be updated with formal ODM resolutions or public announcements regarding the 2027 presidential candidate.

Corrections: None at time of writing.