Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kisii, Arati said that the President, being one of the party’s founding members, would be warmly welcomed back and even handed a direct presidential ticket if he chose to return.
Arati, who serves as ODM’s deputy party leader, noted that the move would honour the dream of the late Raila Amollo Odinga, whom he described as a visionary leader who wanted a united party that transcends political differences.
He challenged the Head of State to prove his recent pledge to keep ODM strong by rejoining the movement and carrying on Raila’s legacy.
“The President said yesterday that ODM will remain the party it has always been. I want to urge him, Mheshimiwa Ruto, since you were one of the founders, come back home. If you return, we will hand you the flag. That is what Baba envisioned,” Arati told the crowd, drawing applause from supporters.
The Kisii governor further vowed that ODM will no longer play the role of the opposition after 2027, declaring that the party will either form the next government on its own or as part of a powerful coalition.
He expressed confidence that despite the turbulence caused by Raila’s passing, the Orange party remains strong enough to field a formidable presidential candidate in the next election.
“Challenges are ahead, but we are ready. The journey will not be easy, yet I can assure you that ODM will have its own presidential candidate come 2027,” Arati affirmed.
Meanwhile, political tensions within the party continue to grow. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei recently demanded the removal of ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of sabotaging the party from within.
Cherargei, a close ally of President Ruto, claimed Sifuna was secretly working to ensure ODM fails to make it into the next government.
Arati’s remarks have sparked fresh debate on the future of ODM and whether Ruto could ever consider returning to the party he helped build nearly two decades ago.
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