NYAMIRA, Bondo, October 19th –President William Ruto has assured the ODM leadership and supporters that he will protect the party from its disintegration following the passing on of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
His comments came in response to a call for continued unity and unwavering support for the broad-based government from top party officials to their members nationwide.
While acknowledging his role as the de facto leader of the ruling UDA, Dr Ruto stated, “Hatutakubali watu wachache wavunje ODM na kutangatanga nayo kwingine kujiunga na vyama vingine tukielekea kwa uchaguzi ya 2027″ (We will not allow a few individuals to split the party and form pacts with other coalitions).
Speaking to a sea of humanity from around the world who attended Raila’s final burial ceremony at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), the Head of State emphasised that the future, strength, and well-being of ODM are very important to him.
“I assure you that we will respect and support the party as we head into 2027, whether to form the next government or be part of it,” Dr Ruto remarked.
He co-founded the ODM party alongside former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2005, who also attended the occasion.
Dr. Ruto, who honoured his “political teacher, friend, and towering statesman” with a full state burial, acknowledged that Raila’s death is a significant blow to him.
“I have heard people say, and I have read in newspapers and on social media, that the death of Prime Minister Raila Odinga is a blow to President William Ruto. Yes, indeed, it is true. It is a big blow to me,” he said.
In recent months, the 20-year-old party has faced increased internal dissent, with concerns that some members may attempt to undermine it from within or form a splinter group or join other coalitions.
Kisumu County Women Representative Ruth Odinga was the first to address the dissent, declaring that the party will remain united and in government—”where my brother, mentor, and confidante left us.”
Her stance was echoed by the Acting ODM Party leader, Dr Oburu Oginga, who is also the Siaya Senator and Chair of the Senate Energy Committee.
“My late brother gave us a direction by taking us to the government, and the best gift we can give our departed hero is to work together and remain united in ODM, as per his wishes.”
Former ODM Deputy Party Leader and CS for Mining and Blue Economy, Hassan Joho, took a more direct stance toward the dissenters, stating, “We will not allow them to destroy ODM; they should leave before we remove them.”
The ceremony was marked by the presence of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and several opposition leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka. The military honoured Raila with a 17-gun salute before his interment at Kang’o Kajaramogi in Nyamira-Bondo, marking the end of an era.
