Raila Odinga’s chief agent, Saitabao ole Kanchory, has warned the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) against supporting President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, saying such a move could be catastrophic for the party.
Speaking on NTV yesterday, Kanchory, a lawyer and political commentator, recalled his close relationship with Odinga, saying he had never heard the late ODM leader praise Ruto as a good leader. He added that while Odinga often commended Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka publicly, he never offered similar praise for Ruto.
“This was a deliberate warning to Kenyans against blindly supporting Ruto, because he does not have the country’s best interests at heart,” Kanchory said. “Tell me any instance when baba Raila described Ruto as a good president. There is none. Raila was always clear that ODM only lent experts to assist Ruto because the country was failing under his leadership,” he explained.
On ODM’s survival without Odinga, Kanchory said it was possible, but only if the party avoids carelessly backing the current president in 2027. “The party’s future depends on making prudent political decisions and not being swept into supporting an administration that has not earned its trust,” he noted.
Kanchory’s warning comes as ODM navigates internal debates ahead of the next general election, with party officials deliberating whether to remain in opposition or align with the ruling government.
Political analysts say his remarks highlight the potential consequences of compromising the party’s principles for short-term political gain.