Dennis Onsarigo: Raila had no plans to run for presidency in 2027

Long‑time spokesperson and press secretary to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Dennis Onsarigo, has stated that the then Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader had no intention of running for the presidency in 2027.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Onsarigo said Raila was focused on supporting efforts to advance the country rather than pursuing another term in office.

“He was planning to support a side that wanted to take this country to another level,” Onsarigo said, adding that Raila’s approach was shaped by the interests of communities and political bases that had supported him over the years.

Onsarigo explained that Raila remained committed to giving back to local communities and recognising those who had stood by him politically.

He cited appointments that Raila had suggested to the president, including figures like Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi and his counterpart, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury John Mbadi, as examples of his efforts to ensure representation and continuity for his supporters.

Onsarigo dismissed claims that Raila was secretly preparing for a 2027 presidential bid. He emphasised that the late ODM party leader had “mellowed all the time” and was prioritising coalition-building and political collaboration over personal ambition.

However, before his death, Raila had indicated that ODM intended to field a presidential candidate in 2027.

Coalition speculation

While Raila had no plans to run, Onsarigo suggested that political coalitions could shape the 2027 landscape. Drawing on his political instincts, he said a partnership between UDA and ODM could emerge to move the country forward.

“I have a feeling it could have gone all the way with President Ruto to the end,” Onsarigo said, stressing that this was his personal view and not a direct statement from Raila.

Onsarigo also addressed speculation around Raila’s future ambitions, clarifying that the late leader had not planned to enter the race and was instead focused on supporting initiatives aimed at national progress.

He underlined that suggestions about Raila running in 2027 were unfounded and did not reflect the former Prime Minister’s intentions.

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