Former Kakamega Governor who doubles as Cooperatives and SMES CS, Wycliffe Oparanya, has reaffirmed that it is ODM party leader Raila Odinga who will determine the political course the Orange party takes in the 2027 elections.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Oparanya stressed that the decision on who the party supports lies squarely with Raila.

“In 2027 we will go with what Raila will say then. That decision is left exclusively to the party leader if you read our constitution. Sometimes such a decision is difficult to consult widely, and that is why it rests with him. We will wait and see what happens,” Oparanya remarked.

Raila’s stance on 2027

This comes a day after Raila Odinga clarified ODM’s stance on fielding a presidential candidate in 2027.

Speaking in Machakos on Monday during an ODM Parliamentary Group meeting, Raila warned members against committing the party to agreements that had not been discussed or approved. He stressed that ODM had its own plan, and decisions about 2027 would be made when the time comes.

“So, wherever you are, don’t commit the party to some things which have not been discussed. Let those things be discussed first. We are ODM. Who’s told you that ODM will not have a candidate in 2027? Who has told you?” Raila said.

He noted that the party had a clear roadmap negotiated earlier in the year when ODM signed a pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). According to Odinga, that agreement was aimed at creating stability and addressing pressing national challenges, not surrendering ODM’s future role.

“We have a clear plan that we have negotiated and we have agreed on. And let us continue to implement that plan. Other decisions we’ll take when the time comes,” he added.

Caleb Amisi’s view

This also comes in the wake of Saboti member of parliament Caleb Amisi stating that in 2027, Raila Odinga could shock many since he might go contrary to what many Kenyans believe now and might support Ruto and follow what the majority of Kenyans will be up to.

“I told the UDA guys, ‘Don’t be so sure with Baba. Baba will go where Kenyans will be, and most Kenyans want William Ruto out of office like yesterday,” Amisi remarked.