Kisii County Governor Simba Arati  has asked President William Ruto to partner with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party in 2027. 

Speaking in Kondele, Kisumu County on Saturday, August 31, 2024, Arati noted that as one of the founders of the ODM party, Ruto should look no further when seeking support during the next general election as he welcomed him to partner with ODM. 

The county head also thanked the president for his continuous support towards ODM leader Raila Odinga’s African Union Chairmanship (AUC) bid.

“Mheshimiwa rais alikua mwanzilishi wa kwanza waOdm, tumezunguka Nyanza nzima na wamekubali kwamba ikija 2027, asisumbuke sana aingie pamoja na ODM. Rais tunakukaribisha kwa chama kwa sabbat wewe ni mtuwa ODM. Nashukuru sana kwa sababu umesimama na baba kuhakikisha kua atakua rais wa Africa,” he said. 

In his response to Arati’s comments, Ruto affirmed that Kenya has only two parties; the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM. 

He also hinted at merging UDA with ODM in 2027. 

“Kwa hii nchi chama ni mbili; UDA na ODM,” Ruto said. 

Earlier, Ruto had announced that the ODM party will no longer be in the opposition in 2027. 

Addressing residents in Ugunja, Siaya, the president said ODM will join the ruling party to form the government in three years. 

“Hiyo uongozi wa upinzani, baada ya miaka mitatu, hiyo kiongozi ya upinzani tutatafutia watu wengine kwa sababu sisi wote tutakuwa tuko upande wa serikali,” Ruto said.

This loosely translates to; “The ODM party will no longer be in opposition because, after three years, we shall unite to form the government. The leader of the opposition will be some other person.”

Ruto also heaped praise on Raila for his positive contribution during the anti-government protests which caused chaos in the country, saying he is a man with the heart of the nation.

“Raila Odinga knows what is good for Kenya,” Ruto said,adding that his decision to approach him (Raila) reach out and work with him was fuelled by the country’s political instability.