Youth Leader Kasmuel McOure has claimed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has capable individuals within its top leadership to successfully contest the 2027 presidency.

Speaking on Saturday, October 25, 2025, Kasmuel refuted claims that only the late Raila Odinga could make a serious candidate for the top seat in 2027.

McOure opined that Raila left the party with working systems and in good standing to wade through the challenge and capture power.

Capable

‘In our party, looking at the top leadership, there are many people capable of clinching the presidency. If it is Sifuna, he is capable of taking it. If the party says it is going with Babu, Wanga, Joho, Mbadi, or even Ruto. Whoever the party opts for, then we will take it,” he stated.

ODM’s future

McOure also likened Raila to the former Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatolla, adding that he ensured the party would endure the next phase of Kenyan politics.

“The party is strong. Baba left the party with a working structure and capable leaders. From the Maa community in Ole Kina to Wanga. We also have Joho in Coast, Elachi, among others. So the party is in good hands,” he added.

Kasmuel also threw his weight behind new acting leader Oburu Oginga, emphasising that the veteran is equally qualified to take on the mantle from Raila.

“He is fit to lead the party. He understood Baba best apart from mama Ida. Its not that Oburu is unqualified as opposed to who?”He posed.

Speaking at the same forum, McOure named Raila Odinga’s confidant, Salah Oketch, among the people who understood the late Raila Odinga, beyond his immediate family members.

“Salah Oketch or Winnie Odinga are the people whom I think people need to speak to concerning Baba. Or if you can find time with Mheshimiwa Winnie or just the Odingas when the mourning time ends,” he said.

“He is a person who knew Baba for longer and noticed something about Baba and said to him, ‘ Baba, we need to go for a check up,” he added.

Oketch became a conspicuous figure around Raila Odinga moments before his death. He posted pictures of the late former Prime Minister resting and recuperating during his medical trip to India, which proved to be his last.