Otuoma escalates ODM’s outreach to Ruto after Raila’s death
By Luke Oluoch, October 31, 2025Busia Govenor Paul Otuoma has stepped up the overtures by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) towards President William Ruto, publicly urging Ruto to formally rejoin ODM following the death of Raila Odinga.
Speaking in Busia County on Friday, October 31, 2025, Otuoma affirmed his support for the broad-based system established by President Ruto and the late ODM leader.
He implored the region to unite under the collaborative arrangement, terming it as crucial for national inclusiveness.
Also watch: Ruto says ODM will either form the next government or be part of it.
Return and unite us
“Sisi tunataka kuhakikishia kuwa tutakuwa pamoja na wewe na maono ulikuwa nayo na Raila ya kuweka Kenya iwe pamoja. Wewe ulikuwa ODM member number one, na tunaweza kusema urudi kwa ODM uunganishe sisi sote tuendelee,” he stated.
The governor also expressed optimism that the pact between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM will retain power in the upcoming general elections.
“Ikiwa UDA itashikana na ODM, kuna mtu anaweza shindana sisi?” He posed.
His remarks come after Kisii Governor Simba Arati and his Kakamega counterpart, Fernandes Barasa, also urged Ruto to rejoin the ODM party.
Speaking in Kakamega during the 62nd Mashujaa Day on Monday, October 20, 2025, he also addressed the possibility of President William Ruto joining the Orange party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Ruto is a founding member of ODM, and do not be surprised to see him joining our party. He said that he would deal with people looking to break up the party. This party has people who are in government, and in 2027, we are confident we will either make the government or be there as a coalition,” he stated.
He also assured that the party will remain united post-Raila, stressing that the members remaining behind would ensure it remains steadfast.
ODM remains steadfast
“The party is ready, and to those who think ODM will disintegrate, I want to say woe upon them,” he stated.
On his part, Arati recently appealed to President William Ruto, his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to rejoin the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“Mimi kama deputy party leader, tumeambia William Ruto, mweshimiwa Uhuru Kenyatta hata Kalonzo walikuwa ODM. Tunawaambia kwa kumpea heshima Baba, wao wakuje kutoka pale tujiunge pamoja katika ODM (As the deputy party leader, we would like to tell William Ruto, Uhuru Kenyatta, and Kalonzo, who were members of ODM to rejoin the party so that we can accord Raila Odinga his respect),” Arati stated.