Political analyst Herman Manyora has said there would be nothing wrong if the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) decided to back President William Ruto in the 2027 general election, arguing that political realignments are a natural part of Kenya’s democracy.
Speaking during his weekly political commentary, Manyora stated that ODM, as a political party, has the right to chart its own course, including forming alliances that may appear unconventional to its supporters.
“There will be nothing wrong with ODM deciding that they want to continue working with Ruto. There will be nothing wrong with ODM deciding, as a party, that they will support Ruto in 2027,” he said.
Manyora acknowledged that such a move would be controversial, given ODM’s long-standing rivalry with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), but said politics often demands flexibility over rigid loyalty.
“According to me, there’s nothing wrong. I may not agree with it myself, and many people may not agree with it, but that will be the party’s position,” he noted.
However, he warned ODM members against invoking the late Raila Odinga’s name to justify political maneuvers.
“What I’m against is guys trying to lie that Baba told them,” Manyora cautioned, referring to recent claims by ODM leaders suggesting that Raila had blessed closer ties with Ruto before his death.
The analyst’s remarks come amid growing speculation that ODM could align with Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the 2027 polls.
Party insiders have hinted at an “open-door” approach to cooperation, a stance that has divided its base between those advocating continuity and others calling for opposition reorganization.
Manyora said that, ultimately, ODM’s decision should be guided by strategy, not sentiment, as Kenya’s political terrain continues to shift after Raila’s death.