Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has announced that the party will not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election and will instead support President William Ruto's bid for a second term.
Speaking during ongoing coalition discussions, Oburu said ODM had resolved to back President Ruto as part of a broader political partnership. He noted that the party's support would, however, be anchored on a structured coalition agreement outlining power-sharing arrangements, policy priorities and the roles of participating parties.
Oburu said the decision was intended to strengthen the coalition ahead of the 2027 elections while ensuring ODM's interests and those of its supporters are safeguarded through a formal agreement. He added that negotiations would focus on governance, development priorities and implementation of agreed policies rather than electoral support alone.
The announcement marks a significant shift in Kenya's political landscape, as ODM has traditionally fielded or supported its own presidential candidates in previous elections. By opting not to front a candidate, the party signals its intention to work alongside the Kenya Kwanza administration in the next electoral cycle, subject to the successful conclusion of coalition talks.
The declaration is expected to reshape political alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election, with attention now turning to the outcome of coalition negotiations and how other opposition parties will respond to ODM's decision.
Speaking during ongoing coalition discussions, Oburu said ODM had resolved to back President Ruto as part of a broader political partnership. He noted that the party's support would, however, be anchored on a structured coalition agreement outlining power-sharing arrangements, policy priorities and the roles of participating parties.
Oburu said the decision was intended to strengthen the coalition ahead of the 2027 elections while ensuring ODM's interests and those of its supporters are safeguarded through a formal agreement. He added that negotiations would focus on governance, development priorities and implementation of agreed policies rather than electoral support alone.
The announcement marks a significant shift in Kenya's political landscape, as ODM has traditionally fielded or supported its own presidential candidates in previous elections. By opting not to front a candidate, the party signals its intention to work alongside the Kenya Kwanza administration in the next electoral cycle, subject to the successful conclusion of coalition talks.
The declaration is expected to reshape political alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election, with attention now turning to the outcome of coalition negotiations and how other opposition parties will respond to ODM's decision.