Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has recounted her late brother Raila Odinga’s pushback against claims that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.

Taking to her official Facebook page on Monday, February 9, 2026, Ruth recalled a pointed remark by the late former prime minister that questioned the source of such assertions.

“Who told you???” Ruth stated.

With the remarks coming amid growing internal debate within ODM over its future political direction, Ruth appears to have suggested that Raila had firmly dismissed suggestions that the party had abandoned its presidential ambitions.

Sifuna’s stance

Embattled ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has also been reminding the party members about the late Raila’s remarks that were made in Kilifi as the Orange party prepared to host the ODM@20 celebrations.

Speaking during the Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi’s inter-domination music finals held at Kaimosi Friends College in Vihiga on December 23, 2025, Sifuna said the direction the ODM party will take in 2027 will be decided by the party members and not individuals.

“We have not sent anybody as an ODM party to speak to anyone about positions in the government. We have not sent any broker to negotiate for ODM in the government,” Sifuna said.

Sifuna also said ODM is strong enough to produce a presidential candidate, as said by Raila Odinga before his demise.

“Raila himself told us that ODM has the strength to field a presidential candidate in 2027. If you say we are going to support someone else, Baba told us to ask you, ‘Who told you? Who told you? Who told you?” Sifuna asked.

Senator Kajwang’s revelation

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwanga has also come out to reveal that Raila was planning to vie for the country’s top seat in the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking in an interview on a local radio station on Sunday, February 8, 2026, Kajwang said that Raila was clear on the future of the party amid jitters over relations with President William Ruto, who is now courting ODM for his reelection bid.

“Raila was very clear in his mind that in 2027, we were going to take over power by walking with like-minded friends and formations. At no time did he tell us that it was going to be a two-term,” he revealed.

“He had a problem with the one-term brigade, particularly the tribal chauvinist within the one-term brigade.”