Oburu Oginga Withdraws From Ruto Running Mate Race

ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga has withdrawn from the race to become President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on May 25, Oburu said he will defend his position as Senator of Siaya County despite ongoing talks between Ruto’s UDA and ODM.

“I will be defending my position as the Senator of Siaya County in 2027,” Oburu said.

He added that his political priorities remain at the county level, where he intends to seek re-election as Siaya Senator.

Oburu Oginga Withdraws From Ruto Running Mate Race

This comes shortly after research by TIFA in its latest Opinion Poll revealed that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is leading the race to become President William Ruto’s running mate, while three ODM leaders also emerged among the top five contenders.

The research⁠ showed  Kindiki with a 59% support among respondents, ahead of other potential running mates, in the 2027 general election. Gladys Wanga came second with 12% support.

Also Read: Kindiki Leads Race to Become Ruto’s Running Mate as Three ODM Leaders Enter Top Five

Additionally, ODM leader Oburu Odinga and Hassan Joho each garnered 3%, while Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi received 2% and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula got 1% support in the survey.

The survey noted that Kindiki is currently viewed as the most politically acceptable deputy option by Kenyans within Ruto’s political camp.

However, the appearance of several ODM-associated leaders among the top running mate candidates also pointed to shifting political alignments and possible coalition considerations as the leaders position themselves for 2027.

ODM Party Leader Calls For Peace As Election Period Approaches

Elsewhere, Oburu Oginga previously called on party supporters to remain united to retain and grow its political influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Also Read: Winnie Odinga Hints at Oburu Oginga Leaving ODM Party Leader Position

Speaking at the burial of Mama Doris Okello, mother of Nyando MP Jared Okello, in Nyando, Kisumu county, Oburu observed that the broad-based government framework is a strategic vehicle for keeping ODM relevant in forming the next government.

He also urged supporters to formally register as ODM members to boost the party’s numbers and strengthen its grassroots base.

In addition, Oburu pledged that the party would deliver free, fair, and credible nominations to strengthen the party and ensure the party retains its massive support on the ground ahead of 2027.

He further stressed that the ODM party must enter coalition talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) from a position of strength, arguing that only a united and well-organised party can secure a meaningful deal at the negotiating table.

“The UDA that we are to join to form the next government will respect us if we are united. This will enable us to bargain and ask for the irreducible minimums,” he said.

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ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga while the presiding over the ODM Party Central Committee Meeting on April 16,2025 PHOTO/OCS