Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dismissed growing calls for him to team up with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for the 2027 presidential elections.

Speaking in Machakos County during the funeral of veteran pilot James Nguyo Gitahi on Saturday, March 15, 2025, Raila stated that he has been winning elections but has not been declared the victor.

Raila insisted that Kenya has only had one truly free and fair election since the introduction of multiparty democracy in 2002. He argued that all other elections have been manipulated, suggesting that he had won multiple times but was denied victory. He also emphasized that democracy takes time and cannot be rushed.

“The only election that was free and fair since the multi-party era is the one in 2002; you all know about the rest. So don’t tell me that I want to win an election—I have already won many times. I just haven’t been declared. Democracy is not instant coffee that you brew and drink at the same time,” Raila said.

The ODM leader urged Kenyans to focus on the present rather than solely looking ahead to 2027. He defended his recent political stance, saying his 10-point agenda was not a betrayal to Kenyans. He questioned what tangible solutions would come from simply pushing President William Ruto out of office, stressing that the country’s challenges need to be addressed immediately rather than in the future

“Kenyans need to live between now and 2027. The 10-point agenda is not a betrayal to Kenyans. Mnasema Ruto aende, aende alafu nini ifanyike? Shida za wakenya lazima zitatuliwe sasa sio siku engine,” Raila noted.

Joining Gachagua

This comes hot on the heels of Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu calling on the ODM leader to reconsider his political strategy and vie for the presidency in 2027, asserting that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is willing to support his candidacy.

Speaking at the same event, Nyutu directly urged Odinga to rethink his alliance with President William Ruto, arguing that it would not secure him the presidency.

Nyutu pointed out that Raila’s longtime associate, businessman S.K. Macharia, has consistently championed his presidential ambitions. He stressed that the only way to make this vision a reality is by contesting 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.

Adding;

“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.”