Raila Odinga Gives Condition to Vie in 2027

Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga now implies he is ready to continue with his presidential bid in 2027.

Speaking in Kakamega during an ODM party grassroots registration drive on Friday, December 1, Raila hinted at going for the presidency for the sixth time.

This would however be determined by how his supporters would subscribe to the ODM party membership, he said.

"Are you all ready? Should Baba continue or not? If you register in your numbers I will consider," said Raila amid cheers from his audience.

This came months after the former prime minister dismissed reports that he endorsed Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for the presidency in the 2027 vote.

This was after claims emerged that he had blessed the former vice president for the race.

His spokesperson Dennis Onyango clarified the former premier only praised Kalonzo for his past deeds that are in the public domain.

“Mr. Odinga therefore clarifies that his praise for H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka for standing with him in three successive elections, the Wiper leader's strong Christian values, and the support Mr. Musyoka has built across the country was not an endorsement of Mr. Musyoka as the Azimio presidential candidate in 2027. Rather, the praise was an acknowledgement and appreciation of past deeds that are in the public domain,” read the statement in part.

The opposition chief noted that Azimio is a coalition of equals where every leader stands a fair and equal chance to emerge as the presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections adding that the successful candidate will be named until a year or just months to the 2027 election.

Raila however said he believes Kalonzo has what it takes to beat President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.

“Mr. Odinga however believes that Mr. Musyoka has what it takes to beat Hon. William Ruto in a free and fair presidential contest, contrary to Mr. Ruto's recent claim that he would easily beat the Wiper leader,” Onyango stated,

The ODM leader further assured Azimio supporters that he plans to remain active in party and national politics all the way to 2027.

Raila on Sunday during Siaya senator Oburu Oginga’s birthday celebration in Bondo, Siaya County, praised Kalonzo for standing firm with him in the previous presidential elections.

"The other day, I heard President Ruto saying that he knows I will not contest and he is ready for Kalonzo. He talks about Kalonzo as if he is Kalonzo. Kalonzo is ten times better than him, he only wants to pit us against each other,” said Raila.