President William Ruto has hinted at partnering with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in the 2027 General Election to form the next government.
Speaking during Raila Odinga's funeral on Sunday, October 19, Ruto said he would not stand by and watch the ODM party crumble under political divisions.
The Head of State urged politicians seeking to destabilize the party to desist.
"By the grace of God, ODM will either form the government or be part of the next government. What I cannot allow, out of respect for Raila, and I will do everything I can with God’s help, is for those who want to destroy the ODM party and go play opposition politics outside. That will not happen," he said.
Speaking during the same event, Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna hogged the attention at Raila's burial when he appreciated the former Prime Minister for mentoring him to be the political personality he is today.
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He paid a heartfelt tribute to Raila, thanking him for mentoring him into the political personality he is today.
"I am Baba's son. I have been extremely privileged to have met Baba, learned under him, and finally served him as his Secretary General for the last eight years. I will eternally be grateful for the opportunity you gave me.
"I have never had the chance to ask why you picked me. We have attended many funerals together, and I used to believe Baba would be present at mine. I often asked myself what I would say on that dreadful day when we would bury our Baba. Today, words fail me," he said.
At the same time, Sifuna insisted that the ODM party would not play second fiddle to any other outfit in the 2027 vote.
He seemed to differ with the members of the ODM party who pronounced that the party would work with President William Ruto and eventually support his re-election.
Sifuna explained that the position Raila pronounced in September before his death would the position of the party as regards in the next general election.
"Baba Raila Odiga spoke openly to the country on September 22 to the ODM MPs. I asked leaders not to come up with non-existent statements. Baba said that ODM must prepare for the 2027 General Election. To those spreading non-existent pronouncements, Baba wondered where you got all that from," he added.
This comes days after Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi declared that the ODM Party will remain in government until 2027 and beyond.
Speaking on Friday, October 17, Wandayi affirmed that the late ODM leader Raila Odinga entrusted them to continue working within the government led by President William Ruto.
"Baba has left us in government led by President Ruto and that is where we are going to stay till the end. I can dare say with no fear of contradiction that we shall walk step by step with President Ruto to the end, now and beyond 2027," he said.
However, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi took issue with Wandayi's statement, urging him to focus on mourning Raila instead of making political declarations.
"It is not proper for some ODM leaders to come to Baba’s funeral crying that Raila Odinga left Nyanza people in the government. Let us mourn first, then tell us where he left you.
"And if indeed he left you in the government, why should you shout at the top of your voices? I thought when Baba says left, it’s left; right, it’s right. It should flow smoothly," he said.
