Blow to Ruto as ODM Names Its Presidential Candidate for 2027

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Dr Oburu Odinga has declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking to the media on Friday, April 17, 2026, Oburu said he would be the party’s presidential flag bearer if ODM opts to go it alone.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that our constitution already has a presidential candidate for our party, and that candidate is the party leader,” he said. “I am the presidential candidate for ODM if the party decides to go it alone.”

Oburu Declares Bid to Challenge Ruto at the Ballot

He warned other aspirants within the party against pursuing the ticket, saying the ODM constitution is clear on who should fly the party’s flag.

“So anybody preparing to go for the presidential election under ODM is misplaced. If they want to run, they should look for another party,” he added.

Also Read: ODM Issues Warning to Ruto and UDA Amid Zoning Debate

Oburu’s remarks come amid ongoing coalition talks between ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which have reportedly stalled.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Nation, an ODM party official said they have stopped ongoing talks with UDA regarding a coalition to back President William Ruto’s re-election, citing frustration and a lack of respect from UDA.

“Our focus now is on ODM. We are not going to engage in coalition talks with people who have no respect for us and our party,” a top party official said.

ODM Holds Meeting Amid Stalemate with UDA

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, the ODM party, led by Dr Oburu Odinga, held a meeting that lasted close to seven hours and was chaired by the party leader.

Also Read: Oburu Tells Ruto and Museveni to Change Lake Victoria Security Management

After the meeting, the party held a press conference where ODM’s Central Committee addressed the media on April 16, 2026, at the Swiss-Belinn Hotel in Nairobi, following the lengthy internal meeting chaired by party leader Oburu Odinga. Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo read the official statement, with Junet Mohamed and other leaders also present.

“As a party that believes in its principles, ideology, and the foundation on which it was founded, we demand respect from the UDA party,” said the Secretary General.

At the same time, ODM stated that it will embark on countrywide tours, youth conventions in 25 counties (starting with Nairobi on April 20 and Mombasa on April 26), and a joint leadership retreat in early May.

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Photo of President William Ruto and ODM Party Leader Dr Oburu Odinga. PHOTO/PCS