Political temperatures within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have escalated after Homa Bay County Senator Moses Kajwang made explosive remarks regarding the late Raila Amollo Odinga and the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at a recent gathering, Kajwang claimed that Raila had intentions of contesting the presidency in 2027 and never publicly committed to supporting President William Ruto for a second term.
His remarks appear to challenge growing narratives that Raila had agreed to back Ruto following the Memorandum of Understanding reportedly signed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
“There is nowhere the late Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga said that he was going to support Ruto’s re-election in 2027. And if the dead could manage to speak from the grave, then I am pretty much sure Raila could speak the same way I am doing right now,” Kajwang stated firmly.
His sentiments have added fresh tension within ODM, where factions appear increasingly divided over their political direction ahead of 2027.
On one side is a group perceived to be leaning toward cooperation with President Ruto’s administration. This camp includes Siaya Senator and ODM party leader Oburu Odinga and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
“There is nowhere the late Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga said that he was going to support Ruto’s re-election in 2027. And if the dead could manage to speak from the grave, then I am pretty much sure Raila could speak the same way I am doing right now,” Kajwang stated firmly.
His sentiments have added fresh tension within ODM, where factions appear increasingly divided over their political direction ahead of 2027.
On one side is a group perceived to be leaning toward cooperation with President Ruto’s administration. This camp includes Siaya Senator and ODM party leader Oburu Odinga and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
During a recent political event, Wanga openly suggested that ODM supporters expect a share in government moving forward.
“Baba alituacha kwa serikali ya Mheshimiwa William Ruto. Kwani sisi ndio tutakuwa tunapigwa na baridi huku nje? Come 2027 ni lazima tutakuwa kwa serikali na share yetu,” Wanga declared, signaling expectations of political inclusion.
However, a contrasting faction within ODM has taken a different path. Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna have launched what they call the
“Baba alituacha kwa serikali ya Mheshimiwa William Ruto. Kwani sisi ndio tutakuwa tunapigwa na baridi huku nje? Come 2027 ni lazima tutakuwa kwa serikali na share yetu,” Wanga declared, signaling expectations of political inclusion.
However, a contrasting faction within ODM has taken a different path. Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna have launched what they call the
“Linda Mwananchi” movement.
The initiative aims to mobilize citizens and campaign for political change, positioning themselves as critics of the current administration.
The unfolding divisions highlight deeper questions about ODM’s future identity and strategy. Was the MoU with Ruto meant to signal long-term political alignment, or was it a short-term cooperation agreement? Kajwang’s statement suggests that Raila’s legacy should not be interpreted as a blanket endorsement of Ruto’s 2027 bid.