President William Ruto and his newfound ally and ODM party chief Raila Odinga.PHOTO:POOL
Political pundits are now cautioning the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) against its growing association with President William Ruto’s administration, warning that the party could risk alienating its base and damaging its credibility ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Prof. Gitile Naituli, a renowned political analyst and lecturer at Multimedia University, has raised concerns that ODM’s ongoing support for President Ruto’s government could severely impact the party’s chances in the upcoming election. According to Prof. Naituli, if ODM chooses to field its own candidates in 2027, it will face significant challenges in distancing itself from the perceived wrongdoings and corruption associated with the current administration.
“The more people associated with ODM sing praises to clearly-corrupt deals in government, the more the public perception remains that ODM is part of the looting of the state,” warned Prof. Naituli. The analyst emphasized that ODM’s position as a leading opposition party could be compromised if it continues its association with Ruto’s government, which is embroiled in numerous controversies.
He further warned that President Ruto is likely to “use and dump” ODM allies before the 2027 elections once he has secured enough political leverage and confidence in his re-election bid. Prof. Naituli cited the case of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who was left in an awkward position after President Ruto abruptly reversed his stance on the controversial Adani deals.
Growing Concern Over ODM’s Support for the Government
The concerns raised by analysts come in the wake of various ODM leaders and allies publicly aligning themselves with the Kenya Kwanza government. This growing alliance has sparked debate within the political landscape, with critics accusing ODM members of compromising their opposition stance for political gain.
On Tuesday, Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, an ally of Raila Odinga, voiced his displeasure with critics of the government and vowed to take action against social media users who criticized Ruto’s administration. Joho’s comments echoed a broader sentiment of frustration within the ODM camp, as the party grapples with its position in the current political climate.
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, a close ally of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, has also weighed in on the issue, describing the actions of former ODM supporters turned government defenders as a sign of the growing fluidity in Kenyan politics. Mwangangi pointed out the speed at which some of Raila’s allies have shifted allegiances to become staunch defenders of Ruto’s administration, stating, “The lines between the opposition and the government are often blurred, and allegiances are less about ideology.”
This rapid shift in political alliances has left many questioning the authenticity of opposition politics in Kenya, as parties and politicians frequently cross over to the ruling coalition, often for political expediency rather than ideological consistency.
The Way Forward for ODM
As ODM contemplates its strategy for the 2027 elections, the party is facing a pivotal moment. Its continued association with Ruto’s administration could undermine its position as a credible opposition force and alienate voters who expect it to be a strong advocate for accountability and good governance. Conversely, ODM may find itself in a difficult position if it seeks to re-establish itself as an opposition party while distancing itself from government misdeeds.
Political observers will be closely watching ODM’s next moves as the 2027 election approaches, as the party navigates the complex and often unpredictable terrain of Kenyan politics.
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