Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has said that the Orange Democratic Movement will field a presidential candidate to face President William Ruto in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Monday evening during an interview on TV47, Nyong’o explained that ODM is an independent party and has the right to front candidates for all positions, including the presidency.
He emphasized that the party is still in opposition and, like any other political party in the country, it will seek to have representation in all elective seats.
According to him, the current position within ODM is to have their own presidential candidate in the next election, and that is the direction they are working towards.
Nyong’o noted that while the decision to front a candidate is firm for now, ODM remains open to discussions or possible agreements with other political players, including the current administration, before the 2027 polls.
He explained that politics can change, and if negotiations arise leading to a different path, the party will address them when the time comes. He also clarified ODM’s current working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza government, saying the party is only engaging with the administration on specific issues of national importance but is not part of it.
Nyong’o stressed that the government in power was formed by UDA and its allied parties, and that ODM’s role is limited to collaboration on matters that benefit the public.
He added that ODM’s participation in certain government programs does not mean the party has abandoned its role as the opposition. For him, the distinction is clear—ODM is not in the Kenya Kwanza coalition and cannot be considered a ruling party partner.
Nyong’o’s comments also come at a time when ODM leader Raila Odinga recently defended the party’s decision to work with President Ruto’s administration.
Speaking on August 8 during the burial of veteran women’s rights advocate Phoebe Asiyo, Raila explained that his cooperation with the president is strategic and will go beyond the 2027 elections.
Raila assured his supporters that the decision was in the interest of the country and would be fully explained when the right time comes.
He dismissed critics who doubted the arrangement and insisted that it would stand strong in the years ahead.
According to him, no amount of political pressure or criticism would derail the course they have chosen.
With Nyong’o confirming ODM’s intention to run its own presidential candidate while leaving the door open for political talks, the coming years will reveal whether the party maintains this stance or adjusts its approach as the election draws nearer.
