James Nyikal: ODM fully behind Kenya Kwanza for now, but 2027 remains open
By Mustafa Juma, October 30, 2025Seme Member of Parliament (MP)James Nyikal has reaffirmed the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration while hinting that the party’s post-2027 political direction remains open for review.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on the night of Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Nyikal stated that ODM is fully supporting President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government until 2027 in the spirit of national unity and stability, even after the death of its leader, Raila Odinga.
However, he emphasised that politics is dynamic, and the party must begin strategising for the next general election.
“We are with the Kenya Kwanza government fully until 2027, but we are aware that 2027 is not one day. We have a party, we have a party leader, and we have a structure. This is the time we now must start thinking of what is going to be of 2027,” he said.
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Nyikal on ODM’s future
With the late Raila’s brother Oburu Odinga having taken over the leadership of the Orange party, Nyikal noted that nothing should be ruled out regarding future political alignments, stressing that ODM’s decisions will be guided by the country’s prevailing situation and the ideals of its leadership.
According to him, it is still too early for people to start singing either ‘Wantam’ or ‘Tutam’ chants.
“In the nature and ideals of our leader, I don’t think anything can be ruled out. That is why I did not want this thing of people saying ‘one term’ or ‘two terms’. What will determine it is how we work together in this and what the situation of the country is,” the lawmaker stated.
His comments come amid growing speculation over ODM’s long-term relationship with President Ruto’s administration following Raila Odinga’s passing earlier this month.
The cooperation between ODM and Kenya Kwanza had been brokered earlier in 2025 to foster national dialogue and unity, marking a new phase in Kenya’s political landscape.