Anyang Nyong’o says ODM will have a presidential candidate in 2027
Kisumu governor Peter Anyang Nyong’o has revealed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party will field a presidential candidate in the coming 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Monday, August 11, 2025, Nyong’o said that when elections come, the party will have a presidential candidate on the ballot.
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Additionally, he added that the collaboration between ODM and President William Ruto’s administration was formed to stabilise the country, noting that it was formed way before the coming elections.
“At a critical time in recent history in Kenya, the nation was falling apart, and the government needed ideas on how to stabilise the nation, so our party leader had a conversation with the president,” he said.
“The UDA government found out the problems it was facing, and it needed the opposition to help it, so Raila and Ruto came together and discussed what needed to be done and agreed on a few points where they could collaborate to stabilise the country and ensure the country delivers services to the people without conflict. It was a collaboration necessary for that time, way before the elections. When elections come, we as a party will definitely run candidates as a party.”
The vocal governor noted that ODM is an independent party which has the right to field a candidate.
“As of now, that is the position because the party is an independent party; it has the right to field the candidate, including the presidency,” he said.
Broad-based govt
He further clarified that ODM is not in government, adding that it is only participating.
“The ODM is participating in government without being in government; it is not part of the government, the government was formed by UDA, we cannot change that, that is something that can only be changed after five years when elections are held,” he clarified.
Sifuna on Ruto’s re-election
This comes after ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has issued a strong warning to the party, insisting that he will not be part of the decision if the party decides to endorse Ruto’s re-election.
Speaking on Sunday, August 3, 2025, during a political function in Saboti, Trans Nzoia County, Sifuna said that his convictions would not allow him to support a candidate whose governance he has consistently opposed.
“I assure ODM supporters that my stance remains,” he declared. “Raila himself has said that this is a democratic party and any member is free to speak their mind. Yet some thugs claim I cannot hold independent views simply because I’m secretary-general.”
Sifuna emphasised his unwavering stance, declaring, “Ile siku ODM watasema ati wanaenda na Kasongo, hio siku siko ndani. Mimi siko ndani kabisa.”
Sifuna’s remarks come in the wake of growing speculation that ODM may formally align with President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) under the ‘broad-based’ government deal, which has seen some opposition figures join the current administration.
