Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has conceded that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is not yet ready to field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, arguing that no current party member has the political clout or influence to mount a credible challenge against President William Ruto.
“There is no one in ODM who can run for president at the moment because Raila Odinga did not groom a successor. If anyone believes they can, let them come forward and demonstrate they have what it takes to defeat President Ruto,” Atandi said during a church service in Kanyaluo Ward, Homa Bay County.
Atandi, who also chairs the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, dismissed assertions by some ODM leaders that the party is ready for the 2027 polls, terming such claims misleading and divisive.
“Those insisting Raila never endorsed Ruto are minor figures seeking relevance. ODM is not prepared to present a presidential candidate in 2027. Remember, William Ruto was once one of us — we are now engaging our former members to help revive and strengthen the party,” he said.
He further cautioned ODM members opposed to potential cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration to leave, insisting that the party has enough capable leaders to replace them.
