Ojienda urges ODM unity, partnership with Ruto ahead of 2027
By Faith Lagat, January 25, 2026Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has called for cohesion within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and advocated for a strategic partnership with President William Ruto as preparations intensify for the 2027 general election.
In a post on X dated January 24, 2026, Ojienda shared insights from the Linda Ground Consultative Meeting (Kisumu Chapter) held at Ciala Resort in Kisumu. He highlighted the leadership of Oburu Odinga and Gladys Wanga, noting their role in inspiring confidence within the party.
“Today at Ciala Resort, Kisumu, I joined leaders and delegates at the Linda Ground Consultative Meeting (Kisumu Chapter). The forum recognized the steady and principled leadership of Dr. Oburu Odinga and Hon. Gladys Wanga, whose guidance continues to inspire confidence across the party,” Ojienda stated.
Strengthening party and community unity
Ojienda stressed the critical need for cohesion among the Luo community and the broader ODM base. “Our deliberations underscored the imperative of Luo unity and the need to speak with a single, coherent voice,” he said.
He further emphasised that political progress requires collaboration beyond internal party ranks.
“I emphasised that advancing into the next phase of political engagement requires constructive collaboration with His Excellency President William Ruto, a partnership that strengthens ODM’s position and ensures meaningful participation in government in 2027. Unity is our foundation, and strategic engagement with the President is our instrument for progress,” he declared.
This comes days after Ojienda confidently predicted that a pre-election coalition between UDA and ODM would make President Ruto’s second term inevitable, dismissing any doubts about the outcome of the 2027 elections.
He emphasised that uniting the two largest parties in Kenya would mathematically secure victory, with negotiations focusing on key issues such as the deputy presidential position and incorporating allied parties, including Ford Kenya, to strengthen support in regions like Western Kenya, Narok, and the Coast.
Ojienda also defended the unity of ODM amid ongoing internal consultations, particularly praising Senator Oburu Odinga for his role in holding the party together through engagement and understanding of its members’ needs.
He downplayed any perceived divisions, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s absence from certain meetings in Kilifi and elsewhere, insisting that such matters were handled privately with the party leadership and did not signal a rift.
He reiterated that the alliance would not only guarantee electoral success but also provide a solid foundation for addressing national issues post-election.