A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Members of Parliament from the Nyanza region have publicly endorsed President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, signaling a potential political realignment that could reshape the national landscape ahead of the next general election.
Speaking during a women and youth empowerment event at Mutumbu Primary School in Gem Sub-county on Friday, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, who chairs the powerful National Assembly Budget Committee, declared that President Ruto would be the coalition’s presidential flag bearer, and serve his final term under a planned political pact between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“The only thing that can take us forward is electing President Ruto in 2027. We cannot be deceived by anyone. Ruto is the one who made us Prime Minister,” Atandi told the crowd. “I want to announce that Ruto will go for a second and last term. The message is: President Ruto will be our candidate in 2027.”
Uriri MP Mark Nyamita echoed Atandi’s remarks, urging the Luo community to register as voters in large numbers and throw their weight behind Ruto’s candidacy, asserting that Nyanza would stand to benefit immensely from being at the center of power.
“As Luos, no president has ever considered us like William Ruto,” said Nyamita. “Let us not be deceived. The votes that will hail from Nyanza will be more than those from Eldoret. We want to be part and parcel of the next government, so that we can have more cabinet secretaries.”
Ugenya MP David Ochieng, elected on a Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) ticket, also backed the President, praising Ruto’s development record in Nyanza and his inclusive governance approach despite the region voting overwhelmingly for the opposition in the 2022 elections.
“It is only Ruto who has given us the red carpet. He has delivered roads and other key developments,” said Ochieng. “Let’s vote him in and ask for more, because he gave us slots even without votes.”
The event was attended by high-ranking government officials including President Ruto’s personal assistant Farouk Kibet, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Emurua Dikir MP Johanna Ng’eno, Kajiado Woman Representative Leah Sankaire, Jubilee Party-nominated MP Sabina Chege, Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron and host Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo Akuba.
The pronouncements are expected to rattle ODM’s internal politics, with growing speculation about an emerging coalition that could blur traditional party lines and shift loyalties as the 2027 election approaches.
