Otieno Kajwang' Hints at Raila's 2027 Presidential Bid, Rules out Supporting Other Candidates

• Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga signed a Memorandum of Understanding with President William Ruto, marking the beginning of their partnership
• This sparked questions on whether the former prime minister will vie for the presidency in 2027 or support Ruto
• However, Homa Bay senator Otieno Kajwang' has hinted at Raila facing off against Ruto while explaining why ODM cannot support candidates from other parties

Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

Homa Bay senator Moses Kajwang' has hinted at the Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) fronting a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking on Saturday, July 26, at a burial in Rusinga Island, Kajwang' ruled out the possibility of the ODM party supporting someone from another political party.

He stated that ODM cannot afford to be dissolved due to its partnership with another political party, citing an instance where other political parties merged with others.

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"We must strengthen ODM as a party, we cannot make the mistake that KADU made when it was swallowed by KANU. We cannot make the mistake that William Ruto and URP made when it was swallowed by the Jubilee Party," Kajwang' said.

Kajwang' further emphasised the importance of ODM retaining its position as a strong and distinct political party.

Will Raila vie for presidency in 2027?

The outspoken politician hinted at the possibility of the former prime minister and the ODM party leader facing off against Ruto in 2027.

"Another thing that I agree with Sifuna is that our presidential candidate must remain Raila Amollo Odinga. If Raila does not want to vie for the presidency, then he should tell us who we should support," he added.

Kajwang's remarks come at a time when questions have arisen over whether Raila will vie for the presidency in 2027 despite his partnership with Ruto in the broad-based government.

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The senator asked Raila to have a conversation with Ruto so they can have an agreement. Additionally, Kajwang' asserted that ODM's future lies in the hands of Raila.

Otieno Kajwang' on national dialogue

He stated the importance of having a national dialogue that would address the issues affecting Kenyans.

"We must have intergenerational dialogue. Raila has been pushing for it, and people are dismissing him, stating that he is looking for a nusu mkate. We must have a conversation as a nation on how to put together the many funds that have been set up so that we can have a free education in the country,' he said.

Expressing his total support of the Raila-William Ruto partnership, Kajwang asserted his opposition to ODM pulling out from the broad-based government.

He described the decision as rushed and counterproductive, calling for the internal strengthening of the Raila-led party instead.

Who will Raila Odinga back in 2027?

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Contrary to Kajwang's claims, Raila expressed his openness to supporting the Wiper Democratic Front leader, Kalonzo Musyoka or Ruto in the 2027 polls.

This seemingly hinted at Raila's lack of interest in running for the presidency.

The former prime minister, however, affirmed his support for Ruto until the next election, emphasising that talks about the 2027 presidential race are premature.

Source: TUKO.co.ke