Gaucho wants Ruto as ODM flag bearer in 2027 for according Raila state funeral
Bunge La Mwananchi Movement president Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho, has suggested that President William Ruto could become the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) flagbearer in the 2027 General Election.
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Speaking during an interview on Obinna TV Extra on Monday, November 3, 2025, he cited the respect the head of state showed for the late opposition leader Raila Odinga by granting him a state funeral.
“Inawezekana Ruto kurun kama candidate wa ODM. Akuje ODM ama coalition, ODM wamsupport. Lakini mimi nilikuwa naona tu ya kwamba yeye ajenge UDA yake ikuwe strong, sisi tujenge ODM ikuwe strong. Then kama tutakuwa tumeskizana, tuungane pamoja akuwe flagbearer wa ODM kulingana na heshima ambayo alifanyia Baba,” Gaucho said.
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Gaucho, known for his fiery loyalty to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the late Raila Odinga, acknowledged that, while President Ruto may have been a political opponent, his actions following Raila’s death earned him respect even from long-time critics.
He dismissed the idea of ODM aligning with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua or defecting to other formations, arguing that the late Raila’s supporters must remain loyal to the party he built.
“Ruto anaweza kuwa mbaya, lakini pia kuna uzuri alitufanyia wakati Baba alikufa. ODM itoke iende ijoin kina Gachagua? Hiyo sasa itakuwa ni wazimu,” he stated.
“Nimekuwa kwa dunia ya hii siasa kidogo. ODM wasimamishe nani kwa hao watu wote ataweza compete na Ruto? Sahi kitu iko ni kumobilise watu tukuwe strong. 2027, hakuna mtu ataweza simama hapo.”
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According to Gaucho, the political landscape after Raila’s passing requires strategy and consolidation rather than division.
He argued that the ODM base remains emotionally charged and ready to turn out in large numbers to honour Raila’s legacy.
“Sahi kupinga Ruto ni kama kuua nguruwe mtu mmoja. Na mtu asikudanganye ati ODM itaisha kesho , infact sahi ndio supporters wa Raila watapiga kura na uchungu mingi sana kuonyesha Baba alikufa akilia ya kwamba ODM ikuwe strong.”
He further emphasised that the greatest gift Raila left behind for his followers was the party itself.
“Na ile kitu Raila ametuwachia kama members wa ODM ni hiyo chama,” Gaucho said.
