Mbadi: ODM was set to work with Ruto in 2027
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said former Prime Minister Raila Odinga wanted the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to work with President William Ruto and had backed the party’s cooperation with his administration ahead of the 2027 General Election. Mbadi made the remarks on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while accompanying Ruto at Misambi Modern Market in […]
On September 17, 2026, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi stated that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga desired the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to collaborate with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election. During a visit to Misambi Modern Market in Kabondo-Kasipul, Homa Bay County, Mbadi made these remarks while accompanying President Ruto on his development tour of Nyanza.
When asked about claims that Odinga was undecided on supporting Ruto, Mbadi asserted that he had personally worked with Odinga since 1992 and could discern Odinga's intentions through his body language. Mbadi explained that Odinga's support for Ruto became evident when ODM joined the broad-based government, citing Odinga's explicit instruction for Mbadi to back Ruto's development agenda.
Furthermore, Mbadi highlighted Odinga's backing of discussions on Kenya's debt and his urging of the government to follow through on key initiatives, such as housing and healthcare. Mbadi emphasized that Odinga considered Ruto as part of ODM and viewed the ODM's participation in the broad-based government as a broader political partnership with Ruto.
He also stated that this cooperation was expected to continue into the 2027 election and beyond. ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati confirmed on Wednesday that the party would adhere to Odinga's stance of remaining in the broad-based arrangement.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
