Speaking at an ODM convention on Monday, Odinga dismissed speculation that ODM would not contest the presidency, saying the party has a clear plan and will decide its course at the right time.
His remarks follow months of cooperation with President Ruto under a political partnership aimed at stabilizing governance, a pact many believed would last until 2027.
However, the surprise victory of Malawi’s Peter Mutharika, 85, in the country’s general election has sparked debate on whether ODM leader Raila Odinga, 80, should make a sixth bid for Kenya’s presidency in 2027.
Mutharika, a former president, is set to return to power after incumbent Lazarus Chakwera conceded defeat on Wednesday.
Chakwera had defeated Mutharika in a court-ordered repeat election in 2020 but is now blamed for failing to deliver on his promises and presiding over economic decline. By the time he completes his new term, Mutharika will be 90 years old.
Mutharika’s comeback has inspired some of Odinga’s supporters on social media to urge him to run again.
Odinga, who would be 82 during the 2027 election, has previously contested the presidency five times without success.
On Tuesday, Odinga warned ODM legislators against campaigning for President William Ruto, fueling speculation that he may have changed course and could once again seek the presidency.
“We have not passed any resolutions on how the 2027 election will be handled. Who told you ODM will not have a presidential candidate?” he told party MPs.
Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) officials have attempted to downplay concerns, insisting that the partnership with ODM is still beneficial to both parties.
UDA National Organizing Secretary Vincent Kawaya stated that Odinga's efforts to strengthen ODM benefit UDA by preventing small parties from eroding his political strongholds.
However, some Kenya Kwanza members are secretly formulating backup plans in case Odinga makes an unexpected run. One of Ruto's most important allies, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, assured supporters that UDA and ODM's collaboration would continue after 2027.
Political analysts, however, warn that Odinga’s history and personality make it unlikely he will fully back Ruto for a second term.
“ODM will field a presidential candidate, and there is a strong chance it will be Raila himself,” said Prof. Gitile Naituli of Multimedia University.
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