Acting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Oburu Odinga has declared that President William Ruto will receive ODM’s backing in 2027 if he implements the 10-point agenda to the satisfaction of Kenyans.

Speaking in Ugunja during a fundraiser in support of women empowerment on Saturday, November 8, 2025, Oburu said the party will negotiate with the Kenya Kwanza administration based on the actualisation of the agenda.

“The slow implementation of these agendas would work against his (Ruto’s) re-election bid because the party’s decisions will depend on the fulfilment of the 10-point political agenda signed between Former Premier Raila Odinga and President Ruto in March,” Oburu said.

At the core of the agreement is the implementation of the NADCO report, which had previously been shelved despite its far-reaching recommendations. The report advocates for inclusivity, good governance, and the protection of devolution, among other reforms.

The pact emphasises the promotion of inclusivity, a principle enshrined in Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination. Despite its inclusion in the 2010 Constitution, inclusivity has been inconsistently applied, leaving marginalised groups underserved.

The agreement also addresses the financial challenges faced by county governments, which have long accused the national government of stifling their autonomy. Article 17 of the Constitution outlines the objectives of devolution, including equitable resource allocation and service delivery. However, devolved units have struggled with inadequate funding, hindering their effectiveness.

Also watch: Ruto says ODM will either form the next government or be part of it.

Integrity, a cornerstone of Chapter 6 of the Constitution, has been a persistent issue in Kenya’s political class. The pact commits to strengthening accountability mechanisms to combat corruption and ensure ethical leadership.

Oburu noted that Raila had given a clear direction for ODM, and those who disagree are either blind or deaf.

“Raila left us united as Luos and in a broad-based government. Under this initiative, he directed us to work with President Ruto up to 2027. Some of the 10-point political agendas, including compensation for victims of past protests, were to be implemented by the ruling regime,” he said

Adding;

“If Kenyans feel satisfied with the implementation of the agendas and are relieved from governance and human rights challenges, then we shall consider our future with the Kenya Kwanza administration.”

Not endorsing Ruto

Currently, he said, the party cannot endorse President Ruto’s re-election bid as it is too early to do so.

Oburu also warned party leaders against criticising the ruling government, saying that such actions would negatively affect their jurisdictions.

“Do not make a hole in a boat that carries you, lest it sink with you,” he warned.

He urged the public and party supporters to dismiss reports of division within ODM, describing them as coordinated propaganda spread through the media.

“There’s been a lot of noise suggesting that the party is collapsing, but the party is stable, calm, and focused on its work. Our party stands with the people,” Oburu said.

He described the current political environment as troubling, noting that external forces were actively trying to destabilise the party.

Governor James Orengo welcomed the party leadership’s decisions regarding 2027 but cautioned against early endorsements that could harm ODM.

“I don’t dispute the direction taken by Dr Oburu, but advise ODM to make careful calculations that will ensure the party and its leaders thrive beyond 2027. Even if a suitor is persuading a lady he wants to marry, he must be strategic; rushing could result in serious consequences. Similarly, ODM should tread carefully in dealing with the Kenya Kwanza administration in 2027,” Orengo said.

“My advice to Dr Oburu is to work on strategies that will grow the party and make it strong, as this will form our bargaining tool. We either field a presidential candidate or confidently negotiate with a strong mandate.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, who noted that ladies being persuaded for marriage do not always agree on the first day but may like the suitor. Constant persuasion may eventually win them over.

Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo said that Luos will no longer participate in demonstrations because “Raila has left us at the heart of government.”

“Raila’s death is a blow to us as Luos, but we thank him for leaving us in government. We will not go to the streets to demonstrate again. Our people have died during previous demonstrations; it will not happen again, even if the Kikuyu community in opposition chooses to protest,” Odhiambo said.