Kirwa calls out Ruto over involvement in ODM leadership row
Former Cabinet Minister of Agriculture Kipruto Arap Kirwa has called out President William Ruto against involvement in the Orange Democratic Movement leadership after the sudden death of the late Raila Odinga.
While speaking to a local media house on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the former minister noted that Ruto should allow ODM to develop its own succession plan.
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He further warned that any attempt to remove Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino or Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna would spell doom for the ODM party.
“President Ruto should allow ODM to develop its own succession plan and choose new leadership that is accepted by the people. Any attempt to remove Babu Owino or Edwin Sifuna would spell doom for the ODM party,” Kipruto Arap Kirwa, former cabinet minister of agriculture.
Ruto pledge to ODM
His remarks come just after President William Ruto promised his support for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, signalling a possible coalition with the ruling coalition ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds in Bondo during Raila’s state funeral, Ruto said he was committed to preserving Raila’s political legacy by strengthening ODM’s structures and vision.
“I want to tell you, my brothers in ODM, that in line with Baba’s desire to build the largest political party, we will support ODM in 2027. That is the only way we can ensure we have an effective government,” the Head of State said.
Ruto’s utterances come amid speculation that some ODM leaders absorbed into government following the coalition pact with Raila could be dropped as the government realigns.
On the other hand, a section of the ODM allies has vowed to work with Ruto even beyond 2027, attributing the commitments towards the olive branch and gains extended by the UDA boss even before Raila’s death.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said that the ODM Party will back President William Ruto’s 2027 reelection.
In a press briefing on Friday, October 17, 2025, in Siaya County, Wandayi also said that he will lobby for the party’s National Executive Council to elect Senator Oburu Odinga as the late Raila Odinga’s replacement.
Wandayi brushed off the claims that ODM will field a candidate to run for the country’s top seat in the 2027 contest.
