Oburu Oginga declares ODM support for Ruto’s 2027 re-election

By Monyonge Kebati

ODM Party Leader Dr Oburu Oginga has declared that the Orange Democratic Movement will not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, instead backing President William Ruto for a second and final term.

Speaking at Lake Naivasha Resort on Monday, August 10, 2026, Oburu said the decision was part of a proposed UDA-ODM coalition aimed at pursuing what he described as Kenya’s “Third Wave of Liberation” — economic emancipation.

Oburu said the coalition would seek to move Kenya beyond ethnic-based politics and focus on economic transformation, describing the proposed partnership as a vehicle for national unity and prosperity.

“For the first time since 2005, ODM will not field a presidential candidate in the upcoming election. This is not a retreat; it is an act of supreme patriotism and foresight,” Oburu said.

He said ODM would “fully, unequivocally” support President Ruto’s re-election, arguing that the partnership would provide stability and create the foundation for long-term economic development.

Oburu linked the proposed coalition to the March 7, 2025 Memorandum of Understanding between UDA and ODM, saying the agreement had helped bring political stability by allowing the two formations to work together in government.

He claimed that since the formation of the Broad-Based Government, Kenya’s economy had stabilized, the shilling had gained footing and predictability had returned to the marketplace.

However, Oburu said economic stabilization was only the beginning, insisting that the proposed UDA-ODM partnership must pursue deeper economic transformation.

He proposed the development of a National Development Charter combining UDA’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda with ODM’s reformist agenda, with the goal of transforming Kenya into what he described as a “First-World global power.”

The ODM leader also called for a tougher fight against corruption, government wastage and excessive public expenditure.

He warned that the coalition should not become a refuge for corrupt individuals, saying public resources must instead be directed towards productive sectors that improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans.

Oburu further called for action against what he termed injustices committed by some state organs, saying the coalition must protect citizens while ensuring financial discipline in government.

On the political future beyond 2027, Oburu said young leaders aspiring to take over in 2032 should earn their positions through service rather than entitlement.

He also urged leaders in both UDA and ODM to abandon their longstanding political rivalries and work towards building what he called an “invincible vehicle” capable of winning the 2027 election and delivering economic freedom.

Addressing President Ruto directly, Oburu said the President had been given a mandate in 2022 and that ODM’s entry into the Broad-Based Government had strengthened his administration.

He said the partnership should allow Ruto to complete his second term in 2032 and “take his place in history.”

Oburu ended his speech with a warning to leaders who may remain undecided on the proposed alliance, declaring that the Broad-Based leadership would not tolerate fence-sitters.

“From now going forward, the Broad-Based leadership shall not tolerate fence sitters. You are either with us or against us,” he said.