Speaking during an interview on Ramogi TV on Tuesday, Dr. Oginga said that if President Ruto decides to leave his party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and rejoin ODM, he must understand that he would not automatically become the party’s presidential candidate.
“We want ODM to be a solid party, so those wishing to join us must accept our terms. If Ruto sees that our party has strong appeal, he can come back since he is one of its founders. But he must be ready to compete with others,” said Dr. Oginga.
Instead, according to Oburu Odinga, Dr William Ruto would have to compete with other aspirants seeking that position.
Dr. Oginga said ODM aims to become a stronger party by 2027 and that it will nominate its own presidential candidate with the goal of forming the next government.
He also urged the party’s older leaders to “make way for the youth” who have been close to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying they are the ones who should carry forward Raila’s political legacy.
“My fellow leaders who are of Raila’s age should retire with him. I think the next generation, those who were close to him, should take the lead,” he said.
He added that the leadership of the Luo community will not remain in the hands of Raila’s generation but will move to young leaders with energy, knowledge, and determination to strengthen ODM ahead of the 2027 elections.
He emphasized that there can only be one community leader at a time, and that person will emerge from among those who were closest to Raila.
