ODM’s Next Move Revealed as CS Wandayi Makes Bold Pledge to Stand With Ruto Beyond 2027

Energy Cabinet Secretary and long-time ODM member Opiyo Wandayi has made a bold declaration about the future of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Speaking from Raila’s rural home in Bondo, Wandayi affirmed that the ODM party will remain firmly aligned with President William Ruto’s administration — not just for now, but even beyond the 2027 General Election.

“I want to affirm that Baba has left us within the government led by President William Ruto,” Wandayi stated. “And that is where we are going to stay till the end.”

The CS, who previously served as the National Assembly Minority Leader before joining the Cabinet, emphasized that the cooperation between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza government will continue seamlessly.

“I can dare say, without fear of contradiction, that we are going to walk step by step with President William Ruto to the end — now and beyond 2027,” he added.

Wandayi also endorsed the appointment of Raila’s elder brother, Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga, as the interim ODM Party Leader — a decision made during an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting just hours after Raila’s passing.

According to Wandayi, Oburu’s appointment was a wise and unifying move that would help the party maintain its stability during this transition period.

“ODM made a very wise decision to appoint Dr. Oburu Odinga as acting party leader,” he said. “As a life member, I will propose that after Baba’s send-off, we convene a National Delegates Convention to formally confirm and elect him as our party leader.”

Wandayi praised Oburu for his composure, leadership experience, and ability to guide ODM into its next political phase while sustaining a working partnership with the ruling UDA party.

Dr. Oburu officially assumed the position on Thursday morning and is expected to serve in acting capacity until the party’s top organ formally elects a substantive leader.

As Kenya continues to mourn the loss of Raila Odinga, Wandayi’s remarks have sparked renewed debate over the direction ODM will take — and what this new political alignment could mean for the 2027 elections.