Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has urged ODM leader Raila Odinga to reconsider his political alignment and contest for the presidency in 2027, claiming that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is prepared to support his bid.  

Speaking during the burial of veteran pilot James Nguyo Gitahi on March 15, 2025, Nyutu made a direct appeal to the ODM leader, suggesting that his current alliance with President William Ruto would not lead to the presidency.

Nyutu highlighted that Raila’s long-time ally and businessman, S.K. Macharia, has always envisioned him as President.

He emphasized that the only way to fulfill that dream is by participating in the upcoming election.

“I come from Murang’a, Your Excellency the Prime Minister, where SK Macharia comes from. For the sake of SK Macharia, who has really wanted to see you become President, you can only become president if you run in 2027,” Nyutu stated.  

He further suggested that Gachagua was ready to back Raila’s presidential bid, adding that an alliance with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka would be more beneficial to Raila’s political ambitions.

“Gachagua is ready to support you. If you back Ruto, you will have to stay second fiddle. You will frustrate our honourable SK Macharia. Support Rigathi and Kalonzo, and you will be President,” Nyutu added.  

Raila’s response

In response, Raila dismissed Nyutu’s remarks, stating that politics is not as simple as some leaders make it seem.  

“I know politics is not easy work. Some leaders keep making reckless statements, but the reality is different. You have to step out and serve the people,” Raila said.

He appeared to brush off the suggestion of teaming up with Gachagua and Kalonzo, urging caution in political discourse to avoid destabilizing the country.  

“Nowadays, I see a young man from Murang’a saying that if I want to be President, I should align with Gachagua and Kalonzo. You don’t know where I’ve come from, my friend. Relax!” he quipped.  

The former Prime Minister warned that such political machinations could have serious consequences for the nation’s stability.

“This country can burn if people are not very careful. You know, this democracy we are building in our nation, we’ve come a long way with it,” Raila cautioned.

He also revisited past election disputes, claiming that he had already won before but was not declared the winner.  

“Don’t tell me you want me to win. I have already won many times, I just wasn’t declared. Just the other day, I was saying, ‘open the servers’ because we knew the truth was inside,” Raila added.  

Ruto-Raila pact

On March 7, 2025, President Ruto and Raila Odinga signed a framework agreement aimed at establishing collaboration between the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party in government.

The agreement, titled “Understanding to Resolve the Social and Political Challenges Facing Kenyans,” seeks to address ten key issues affecting the Kenyan population.

This pact aims to expedite the full implementation of the NADCO report, promote inclusivity in public life, strengthen devolution, protect the livelihoods of young people, uphold leadership and integrity, safeguard the right to peaceful assembly and protest, tackle the national debt, combat corruption, eliminate public resource wastage, enhance government efficiency, and protect the sovereignty of the people, the rule of law, and constitutionalism.