Former Raila Aide Claims Why Ruto Wants a United ODM Ahead of 2027 Polls

Fresh claims by a former close aide of the late Raila Odinga have reignited debate over the relationship between President William Ruto and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as the country slowly shifts focus to the 2027 General Election.

Lawyer Saitabao Ole Kanchory, who served as Raila Odinga’s chief agent during the 2022 presidential election, says ODM is currently facing serious internal divisions despite securing several influential government positions under the broad-based cooperation deal with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking on Spice FM on January 8, Kanchory claimed that President Ruto has been quietly working behind the scenes to ensure ODM remains united, arguing that the ruling party has a strategic interest in the opposition party’s internal stability. 

According to Kanchory, ODM’s ongoing wrangles pose a potential challenge to Ruto’s re-election plans, especially if the party fractures and reverts to aggressive opposition politics.

“Ruto desperately needs ODM for 2027,” Kanchory claimed. “He is a very strategic politician. He would prefer a united ODM that supports him, or at least does not actively fight him.”

Kanchory further alleged that President Ruto has personally reached out to various ODM leaders, including those who were initially opposed to the cooperation agreement between ODM and UDA. 

He suggested that the president would be politically comfortable if ODM fully lined up behind his leadership heading into the next election.

“William Ruto would have loved it if we all fell in line,” Kanchory said. 

“He has reached out to many of us. He would be very happy if ODM stood firmly behind him.”

While stressing that these were his personal views, Kanchory argued that a united ODM helps the ruling side project an image of broad national support. 

He claimed this perception could reduce political pressure on the government, especially in regions considered Ruto’s strongholds, where voter turnout and enthusiasm may vary.

Kanchory’s remarks have stirred debate because they come at a time when ODM is grappling with internal disagreements over its future direction. 

Since Raila Odinga’s death, the party has struggled to balance its historical identity as a strong opposition force with its current cooperation arrangement with the government.

According to Kanchory, the appointment of several ODM leaders to Cabinet and other senior government positions has complicated the party’s ability to openly challenge the administration.

“These appointments have made it very difficult for ODM to strongly oppose the government,” he said. 

“That is a big shift from the ODM we knew for more than 20 years, which was built on anti-establishment politics.”

ODM was for decades known as a protest-driven movement that consistently challenged successive governments. 

However, critics argue that the cooperation deal with UDA has blurred the lines between government and opposition, creating confusion among supporters and deep divisions within the party.

Some ODM members believe the cooperation agreement offers a chance to influence governance from within, while others see it as a betrayal of the party’s core values. 

This disagreement has fueled internal power struggles, with competing camps pushing different political strategies ahead of 2027.

Kanchory warned that unless ODM clearly defines its role, internal conflicts could intensify and weaken the party’s influence nationally. 

He also suggested that President Ruto’s interest in ODM unity may be driven by a desire to avoid facing a revitalized and aggressive opposition bloc.