ODM Acting SG Catherine Omanyo Confirms Party Will Field Presidential Candidate To Compete Ruto In 2027

Catherine Omanyo has confirmed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) plans to contest the Presidency in the 2027 elections, signaling a bold stance despite ongoing cooperation with President William Ruto.

Speaking during a televised interview on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Omanyo dismissed suggestions that ODM might settle for a minor role in government or focus solely on supporting coalition arrangements. 

“Any seat, we want even the bigger seat,” she said firmly when asked about the Deputy President position, underlining the party’s ambitions for the top leadership seat.

Her remarks appeared to shift earlier narratives suggesting that ODM could play a supporting role in the current government. 

Omanyo emphasized that the party remains focused on asserting its political relevance and preparing to field its own presidential candidate.

When asked about ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, who had previously expressed interest in the Deputy President role, Omanyo said he was capable of aiming even higher. 

“And he is capable of even being a president. Are you hearing me well? With the experience he has, he is whatever he wants to be,” she said.

Omanyo also stressed that no final decision has been made regarding who will carry the party’s presidential flag in 2027. 

She highlighted that ODM will follow a democratic nomination process, allowing party members to decide the candidate. 

“We are going to field our presidential candidate. Tujaamua, we will discuss. It is a democratic world — majina ziwekwe hapa, nominations zije, mwenye atashinda we will go with that one,” she said.

On Oburu’s earlier remarks about the Deputy President position, Omanyo downplayed their significance, saying, “Hajaamua sana, you know we say some things sometimes,” signaling that the party’s leadership is keeping its options open.