Plan B In Place As UDA Insiders Alleges What Ruto Is Planning If Raila Dumps Him In Last Minute

ODM leader Raila Odinga has sparked fresh political debate after signaling that his party could field a presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.

The former prime minister noted that nothing would stop his party from contesting the presidency in the 2027 elections despite his current handshake with President William Ruto, a move that has rattled President William Ruto’s allies, who were banking on ODM’s support.

Speaking at an ODM convention on Monday, Odinga dismissed speculation that his party would sit out the presidential race, insisting that ODM had a clear plan and would make key decisions at the right time. 

“Who said ODM will not have a presidential candidate in 2027? As ODM, we have a clear plan that we have agreed upon and signed. (However), other decisions will be made when the time comes,” he declared.

The statement has reignited questions about Odinga’s intentions and caused unease within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, with UDA officials calling for calm but quietly considering contingency plans.

But on Wednesday, officials of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) expressed concern that Mr. Odinga’s latest remarks could disrupt their political plan with ODM, though they insisted the partnership was still mutually beneficial.

Nevertheless, within UDA there is now the view that they need a fallback plan in case Mr. Odinga takes a surprising step.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, a close Ruto ally, insisted the UDA-ODM partnership remains intact and will survive beyond 2027.

UDA National Organizing Secretary Vincent Kawaya said Odinga’s efforts to strengthen ODM were politically beneficial, warning that a weak ODM could allow smaller parties to erode his strongholds.

“There is nothing wrong. Our relationship with Raila is one of cooperation. We need each other, and no one should think Raila will not need us,” Mr. Kawaya explained.

According to him, no agreements have been made yet about power-sharing or partnership beyond 2027, but maintaining Mr. Odinga’s political influence is crucial for both sides.

However, Multimedia University lecturer Prof. Gitile Naituli argued that ODM will likely field its own candidate — possibly Odinga himself, because he is unwilling to hand over leadership while still active in politics.

“Raila does not want a Luo leader to take his place while he is still alive. ODM will field a presidential candidate, and there is a strong possibility that it will be Raila himself,” Prof. Naituli said.