Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwanga has revealed that the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga was planning to vie for the country’s top seat in the 2027 General Elections.

The revelations come amid a deepening internal rift in the most popular party in the post-Raila era, with the outfit now split into pro-President William Ruto-led supporters and those supporting the broad-based pact led by ODM leader Oburu Oginga.

On the other hand, the party’s Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, is quietly strategising to cement ODM’s political vet in its strongholds, vowing to continue with Raila’s legacy under the Linda Mwananchi ahead of the 2027 showdown.

Speaking in an interview on a local radio station on Sunday, February 8, 2026, Kajwang said that Raila was clear on the future of the party amid jitters over relations with the UDA chief, who is now courting ODM for his reelection bid.

“Raila was very clear in his mind that in 2027, we were going to take over power by walking with like-minded friends and formations. At no time did he tell us that it is going to be a two-term,” he revealed.

“He had a problem with the one-term brigade, particularly the tribal chauvinist within the one-term brigade.”

The quagmire is getting tense following Oburu’s statements that ODM is not negotiating for the Deputy President position as a fine pre-election stake, raising concerns on whether the party has lost its veto and is now operating as a puppet.

Meanwhile, the faction’s national chairperson, Gladys Wanga, maintains that there should be a 50/50 bargaining stake ahead of the 2027 polls.

ODM internal tiff

About 18 months to the general polls, rifts in the ODM are intensifying after Oburu Odinga publicly criticised Sifuna for taking positions he claimed were not official party policy.

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the outfit’s Deputy Party Leader and Vihiga Senator, Geoffrey Osotsi, broke ranks, insisting that critical decisions, including candidate nominations for the 2027 elections, require thorough party consultation.

Osotsi warned that failing to field a presidential or deputy presidential candidate or entering a coalition with the ruling UDA could severely weaken ODM ahead of the elections, arguing that the party must remain independent and not be influenced by external forces.

“The party leader, Oburu Odinga, whom I respect, is my colleague. I think he needs to consult more, because I don’t recall any party organ deciding that we will not field a presidential candidate or that we are supporting someone else. We have never said we are not contesting for deputy president or going for nothing,” Osotsi said.

“The surest way to finish ODM in 2027 is, first, to enter a coalition with UDA. Second, to not field a presidential candidate or running mate. ODM will be an obsolete party if that happens. I want to ask leaders who are quick to support such moves to reconsider.”

Raila’s last public statement

Speaking on September 22, 2025, Raila urged party members to exercise restraint when speaking on the party’s political plans ahead of the 2027 polls.

Raila discouraged ODM members from speaking on the party’s plans in the next general elections, insisting that they should remain aligned on its political strategy.

“Don’t commit the party to some things that have not been discussed. Who told you ODM does not have a candidate in 2027?” he posed.

“As ODM, we have a clear plan that we have agreed on, and let us implement it. Other decisions will be made when the time comes.”

Taking this into account, Sifuna, in his tribute to the late ODM leader, assured him that he will keep the party united to cement his legacy and the principles he stood for.

“Because ODM is one of your (Raila) biggest legacies, I, as Sifuna, will do everything in my power to keep this party together even in the face of provocation, and you know what we are talking about,” Sifuna said.

The senator further urged the remaining leadership within the ODM party to remain united and take a step back from politics to listen to millions of other party affiliates on the way forward.

“In my view, this is not the time to push divisive narratives within ODM. ODM is a party for everyone. We as leaders should show unity so that other members can follow suit,” Sifuna said.

“I want to say here, I will not be among the people who contribute to this party’s downfall. I want to encourage the leaders of ODM; let’s be quiet and listen to the people and what they want.” 

His remarks came after a section of leaders led by Homa Bay Governor said that the last Raila’s directive to his party members was to remain united and focus on the broad-based government under the leadership of President Ruto.

“I want to tell you, Mr President, that we will remain in a broad-based government because that is where Baba left us and directed us to commit before he died in India,” Wanga said.