As the 2027 General Election approaches, new political alignments are forming with the primary aim of capturing power. However, this election cycle marks a historic and somber first for Kenya: the country heads toward the polls without its longtime political titan, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Before his passing in late 2025, the ODM leader had crafted a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with President William Ruto. This agreement, signed in March 2025, continues to be a focal point of intense debate within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the broader political landscape.
CPA Evans Ogutu, a hopeful for the Uriri Parliamentary seat, has called for restraint and unity within ODM. He is urging party members and leaders to stick to the original objectives established in the wake of the 2022 General Election and formalized in the 2025 pact.
“After the 2022 election and the subsequent formation of the broad-based government, Baba (Raila Odinga) was very clear: the agreement with President Ruto was meant to ensure national stability and deliver on a specific 10-point agenda. It was not a vehicle to build a political alliance beyond 2027,” Ogutu stated.
The Uriri aspirant insists that the MOU was never intended to guarantee a post-2027 partnership. He emphasized that any decision to commit the party to a long-term coalition must be transparently debated and approved by the party’s Central Management Committee or a National Delegates Conference (NDC).
“The MOU is time-bound—it concludes in 2027. Our current duty is to review its implementation before discussing any future alliances,” Ogutu noted. He further criticized certain party factions for prematurely pushing for a post-2027 deal without proper internal consultation, adding, “ODM cannot be committed to arrangements that haven’t been sanctioned by the proper party organs. If we must review or extend the MOU beyond 2027, let that decision be made collectively, not by a few individuals pushing personal interests.”
Ogutu expressed frustration that critical items within the 10-point MOU are being overshadowed by 2027 succession politics. The core pillars of the Raila-Ruto pact include compensation for victims of political violence, strengthening devolution through timely fund disbursement, addressing extrajudicial killings, and pursuing economic reforms to tackle the high cost of living and youth unemployment.
“Nobody is talking about what really matters anymore—the actual content of the MOU. Instead, we are being dragged into a choir of who supports Ruto or who wants a one-term or two-term presidency. Let us first fulfill the agreement and evaluate its impact before talking about 2027,” he argued
Addressing the internal friction regarding ODM members currently serving in the Cabinet, the youth leader defended their roles as part of a transitional mandate to stabilize the nation. “The President has shown goodwill in working with ODM leaders. But if we are to extend this relationship, it must be through a structured, supplementary MOU—not casual political endorsements,” he said.
He warned against individuals using their positions to bypass party organs for personal interests, maintaining that ODM will remain an independent entity. “We’re not saying we want to join another faction like Kalonzo’s or form a new alliance. We are ODM, and we want to remain so. But we will not accept being forced into political choirs—whether it’s the one-term or two-term narrative. That’s not what Baba stood for,” Ogutu concluded
His remarks reflect growing tensions within ODM as younger party members seek accountability and clarity on the party’s political path while reaffirming loyalty to Raila Odinga’s original vision.
He concluded by urging party unity and transparency, calling on ODM’s top leadership to involve members in shaping the party’s direction.
Despite these tensions, others believe the MOU has created room for meaningful collaboration and dialogue with the government, particularly in addressing national challenges. However, they agree that the spirit and intention of the agreement must be respected.
As 2027 approaches, the debate over the Ruto-Raila pact is expected to intensify. ODM leaders now face the delicate task of balancing cooperation with the government and maintaining the party’s independence and long-term strategy.
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