William Ruto, Raila Convene Joint Parliament Group Meeting amid Speculation of 2027 Pact
- There have been divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party over plans to endorse President William Ruto's reelection bid
- A meeting called by Ruto and former prime minister Raila Odinga is the clearest hint that the two might be planning to work together in 2027
- The joint meeting called by the two principals is key to taking a common decision on divisive matters
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga have sent the clearest signal that they might partner in the 2027 General Election.
Source: Getty Images
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has been divided over plans to support Ruto's reelection bid in 2027.
Is the ODM party divided over supporting Ruto in 2027?
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has been vocal in opposition to any plans to endorse the Kenya Kwanza Alliance leader.
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Recently, Suba North Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo said it is not guaranteed that the Orange party will back Ruto's reelection bid.
But the latest political moves by Ruto and the former prime minister suggest the two might be planning to work together beyond 2027.
On Wednesday, August 6, the two released a joint statement appointing a five-member committee to oversee the implementation of their memorandum of understanding.
According to the statement, the committee will oversee the implementation of, among others, the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
The committee is expected to submit bimonthly progress reports to the president and the former prime minister, with quarterly briefings scheduled for the joint Kenya Kwanza-ODM Parliamentary Group.
When is the ODM, UDA parliamentary group meeting?
In a clear signal that they are formalising their political working partnership, the two have convened a first joint PG meeting on Monday, August 18.
Such a meeting will be crucial in cementing their working relationship under the broad-based government.
Party leaders use parliamentary group meetings to whip their members into supporting critical political decisions which might cause division.
"The committee will commence its work immediately and will submit progress reports to the principals every two months and to a joint Kenya Kwanza-ODM Parliament Group on a quarterly basis. The PG will hold its first sitting on August 18, 2025. A final comprehensive report detailing the status of the MoU's implementation will be released to the public on March 7, 2026, marking the one-year anniversary of its signing," Ruto and Raila said in the statement.
Source: Facebook
Will Raila Odinga vie in 2027?
In related news, Homa Bay senator Moses Kajwang' hinted at the Orange Party fronting Raila for the 2027 presidential race.
Speaking on Saturday, July 26, at a burial in Rusinga Island, the vocal senator ruled out the possibility of the ODM party supporting someone from another political party.
Kajwang appeared to back Secretary General Sifuna's argument that ODM cannot afford to be dissolved due to its partnership with another political party.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
