Zaheer Jhanda: It is time for Ruto to take over ODM and lead joint 2027 ticket
By Nancy Marende, October 20, 2025Nyaribari Chache Member of Parliament (MP) Zaheer Jhanda has declared that President William Ruto should officially take over the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and lead a joint political ticket in 2027.
In a statement on Monday, October 20, 2025, Jhanda said that the time had come for Ruto to officially take over ODM and steer the party toward a united political front focused on stability and national development.
“It’s time for President Ruto to officially take over ODM Party and lead a joint ticket in 2027,” read the statement in part.
Also watch: Ruto: ODM will either form the next government or be part of it
Furthermore, he stated that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), ODM, Ford Kenya, UDM, KANU, and other coalition parties should unite behind Ruto for the next general election.
“For those who don’t know or SHOULD know early, the joint UDA/ODM, Ford-K, UDM, KANU and other coalition parties’ 2027–2032 candidate is H.E. Dr. William Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya,” Jhanda said.
Additionally, the legislator criticised ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, accusing him of misrepresenting facts and failing to uphold the founding principles of the party.
“Edwin Sifuna’s era of misrepresenting facts in ODM is over. The party must return to truth, unity, and purpose,” he stated.
The MP said the move to bring together major political formations under Ruto’s leadership was part of a long-term plan to build a broad-based movement that would run through 2032.
His remarks come a day after Ruto promised his support for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, signaling 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.