Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo has denied claims that Raila Odinga privately assured anyone that ODM would remain aligned with President William Ruto beyond 2027.
Speaking on Saturday, November 29, Amollo explained that some individuals who were never close to Raila were now claiming the former ODM leader confided in them privately, but he insisted that only Raila's public statements should be trusted.
"After losing Raila Odinga, all sorts of things are happening. All kinds of people are speaking, even people Raila never spoke to are now claiming, 'Raila told me this in private. Raila told me that.' The only thing you can believe is what Raila said in public, not what someone claims he whispered to them," he said.
Amollo clarified that Raila only stated that ODM would cooperate with the Kenya Kwanza government until 2027, after which the party would make its own decision.
"And the only thing Raila stated is that we will be in this government up to 2027. Beyond 2027, it is those of us who are still alive to decide. Nobody can come and tell us that Raila said we will still be with Ruto beyond 2027. No. We may, or we may not be," he added.
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Elsewhere, earlier in the year, Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda has said that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) plans to support President William Ruto’s bid for a second term.
In an interview on Thursday, December 9, Ojienda stated that ODM's support for Ruto will come as part of a broader coalition agreement that may include having a running mate from ODM.
"ODM will support President Ruto for a second term; it will be a major player. The coalition agreement may include a possibility of having a deputy president from ODM," he stated.
Prior to this, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi had also stated that ODM intends to support Ruto's re-election bid in the 2027 elections.
Speaking in Kericho on October 17, 2024, Wandayi emphasized that ODM's collaboration with Ruto is steadfast and will extend beyond the upcoming elections.
"I believe that our political partnership will hold strong beyond 2027. We have decided to work with President William Ruto and will stay committed to that cause. We are part and parcel of the government and the government's foundations remain strong.
"It's our responsibility to ensure the government remains strong. Let us keep supporting the president so that he can continue leading the government even beyond the next elections. I come from Siaya, Nyanza and we are known to make firm decisions and stand by them. We have decided to work with the president. In the event you hear noises, don't be troubled, even one bit," he said.
Wandayi further explained that his decision to join Ruto's government was driven by national interests.
"I was in the opposition. However, the country is more important than individuals or political parties. That is why, when President William Ruto invited me to join his government, I accepted without hesitation," he remarked.
