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Raila Odinga says ODM has not adopted any resolution on who to back or field for the 2027 elections yet, urging members to await formal decisions.
Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-22 19:30 EAT.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has clarified that the party has not yet adopted any resolution regarding alliances or endorsements for the 2027 general elections, and cautioned party members against speaking prematurely. The remarks come amid speculation that ODM may formally back President William Ruto’s re-election or field its own candidate.
Raila made the comments during an ODM Parliamentary Group meeting in Machakos, where he emphasized that while ODM is working closely with the UDA under their existing pact, there has been no formal party decision on future electoral alliances or who will run under the party banner in 2027.
He reiterated that the pact with UDA, which commits cooperation until 2027, remains in force but said this does not equate to endorsing UDA or any other entity beyond what has been agreed.
The ODM leader asked members not to commit the party to public statements or declarations that have not been discussed or approved through ODM’s decision-making organs.
Status: Confirmed; ODM’s official position remains that no resolution has been adopted on 2027 alliances.
ODM and UDA signed a MoU / pact earlier in 2025, intended to guide cooperation and stability until the 2027 general election. Speculation has since grown about whether that partnership will continue beyond 2027 or whether ODM will field its own presidential candidate.
Internal party discussions, public comments from some ODM members, and media speculation have contributed to mixed signals within and outside the party about its 2027 strategy. Some statements by local leaders have been interpreted as reflecting pre-emptive alignment or endorsement.
ODM Party Constitution / Internal Rules: Decisions like endorsing a candidate or entering alliances typically require ratification through party organs (e.g. National Executive Committee, Party Convention).
Pact Validity: The 2025 pact with UDA outlines cooperation until 2027 — that is acknowledged by Raila as binding under the existing agreement.
Legal Implications: Although parties are free to form alliances, public declarations or promises without proper process risk internal dissent, undermining party discipline, and could lead to legal or political challenges especially if members claim misrepresentation.
Raila Odinga: “We have not passed any resolutions as a party to say how we are going to go into the elections of 2027.”
ODM Members: Some local leaders have publicly speculated about backing President Ruto or fielding party candidates, leading to confusion. Raila admonished them to wait for formal discussion.
Political Analysts: Observers are urging clarity, noting that lack of visible decision-making may erode public trust or allow speculation and factionalism within the party. (Analysis based on media commentary)
|
Item |
Detail / Source |
Date Verified |
|---|---|---|
|
Pact with UDA duration |
Until 2027, as agreed in 2025 |
Sept 2025 |
|
ODM statement on no resolution for alliances |
Public statements in Machakos meeting |
Sept 22, 2025 |
|
Speculation among members about backing Ruto |
Media reports from Nairobi & party members |
Sept 2025 |
Risk of internal division: Members speaking out of turn could cause rifts, allegations of betrayal, or create confusion in the party’s grassroots.
Public perception / trust: Voters may interpret ambiguity as lack of leadership or clarity, affecting the credibility of ODM.
Policy & electoral strategy drift: Without clear resolutions, party messaging could conflict across regions or organs.
Potential alliances: If a resolution is made, it will affect both political alignments (who supports whom) and nomination strategies across counties.
Whether ODM will certainly field a presidential candidate in 2027 or back another party or individual.
What internal party organs (NEC, Convention) have formally discussed these resolutions, or when they will meet.
How the alliance with UDA will be renegotiated as 2027 approaches.
Whether public expectations or speculations will force the party to make early pronouncements or decisions.
2025 (earlier): ODM-UDA pact signed for cooperation through 2027.
2025-09-22: ODM Parliamentary Group meeting in Machakos; Raila clarifies that no resolution has been adopted on 2027 alliances or nominations.
Ongoing: Public speculation and media reports about who ODM will support or field in 2027.
Date when ODM’s National Executive Committee or Convention will consider and adopt formal resolutions on 2027.
Any announcements on ODM’s flagbearer or candidate selection process.
Statements from UDA in response or about continuing the pact.
Reactions from ODM members who may oppose or push for alternative strategies.
[Our pact with UDA is until 2027, not past – Raila]
[Raila: No deal on Ruto’s 2027 re-election]
[Raila clarifies ODM’s stance on fielding a candidate in 2027]
Editor’s Note: This article will be updated as ODM announces formal resolutions or flagbearer decisions for 2027.
Corrections: None at time of publication.
