Raila Odinga Open to Backing Ruto or Kalonzo in 2027 Poll: "Can Support Anybody"
- Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga hinted at dumping President William Ruto in 2027
- The veteran opposition leader explained whether he will be among the presidential candidates in the upcoming 2027 General Election
- During an interview on Sunday, July 20, he responded to questions about his political debt to Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - Former prime minister Raila Odinga has opened up on his plans for the upcoming 2027 presidential race.
Source: Facebook
During an interview on NTV on Sunday, July 20, Raila was asked whether he would run for the top seat in 2027.
Will Raila Odinga vie for presidency in 2027?
The ODM leader was noncommittal in his answer but affirmed his support for President William Ruto's administration until 2027.
The veteran opposition leader pointed out that he is currently in the broad-based government for the next two years, adding that talks about 2027 are premature.
"I have not said that I am running (for presidency in 2027). We're in 2025, and it's too early to talk about 2027. We have said that we're in the broad-based Gov't until 2027, but we haven't said we shall work with UDA beyond 2027," Raila said.
The veteran politician said his short-term objective is to make the Orange party strong, adding that he is open to supporting anybody for the top seat.
Addressing recent remarks by a section of his allies, who declared support for Ruto's reelection bid, Raila said ODM leaders are free to air their personal opinions.
"I don't have to run for the presidency, I can support somebody else. At the moment I'm more content in trying to organise my party, ODM, to be strong as a political party. The individuals in ODM already speaking about supporting William Ruto in 2027 are making those statements as individuals, and they're entitled to it," he stated.
Will Raila Odinga support Kalonzo in 2027?
Regarding the Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka's presidential bid, Raila said he is still friends with the former vice president.
The veteran opposition leader disclosed that Kalonzo is yet to seek his support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
"Me and Steve (Kalonzo Musyoka) are friends, we share a number of issues and I've got a lot of respect for him. He has not asked me for my support (for president in 2027)," the ODM leader said.
Source: Twitter
Can Ruto support Raila on 2027?
Meanwhile, ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna challenged Ruto to quit the 2027 presidential race and support Raila.
Sifuna, whose reservation about the working agreement between Ruto and Raila is an open secret, has been consistent in opposing the Kenya Kwanza administrations.
On May 31, Sifuna pointed out that Ruto’s government only began functioning effectively after bringing the former prime minister into the fold.
The vocal senator said it is only fair that Ruto reciprocate the goodwill by shelving his 2027 ambitions and backing the veteran opposition leader for the top job.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
