Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has downplayed recent remarks made by Raila Odinga, indicating that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) might field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.
In a statement on Monday, September 22, the senator insisted that the ongoing partnership between ODM and UDA remains strong and should not be misinterpreted.
“People should not read too much into what Raila Odinga said in the ODM Parliamentary Group meeting because the UDA-ODM joint partnership is working perfectly beyond 2027,” he stated.
Cherargei further reminded Kenyans of President William Ruto’s past association with ODM, noting that the ongoing partnership between the two parties remains intact.
“In any case, President William Samoei Ruto is a former ODM member. The only person happy about this statement is Edwin Sifuna yet he is the one who signed and presided over the joint UDA-ODM joint working partnership,” he added.
Speaking during an ODM parliamentary group meeting on Monday, Raila dismissed speculation that his party will not field a presidential candidate in the upcoming elections.
The former Prime Minister challenged party members and the public to stop making assumptions about ODM’s electoral plans.
“We are ODM. Who has told you that ODM will not have a candidate in 2027? Who has told you?” he posed.
Raila emphasized that the party has not made any formal resolutions regarding the 2027 elections, cautioning members against committing the party to positions that have not been officially discussed or approved.
“We have not passed any resolutions as a party to say how we are going to go into the election of 2027. So wherever you are, don’t commit the party to some things that have not been discussed. Let those things be discussed first,” he added.
Raila stressed that ODM remains intact and committed to its agreements, including the current cooperation with the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration that runs until 2027.
“And we must remain as ODM. And we have signed and agreed that we will work together up to 2027,” he noted, referring to the memorandum of understanding between ODM and President William Ruto’s administration.
Raila urged party members to maintain their ODM identity while implementing the agreed-upon cooperation framework with the government.
“So first, think as ODM. We have a clear plan that we have negotiated and we have agreed on. And let us continue to implement that plan,” he instructed.
