Opposition politician Eugene Wamalwa, an ally of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, has said that they will reach out to ODM Party leader Raila Odinga to support them in a bid to oust President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.

Speaking to mourners during the burial of the late Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve in Mwingi on Friday, May 9, 2025, Wamalwa indicated that Kalonzo has been a loyal supporter of Raila and that when the time comes, they will expect the ODM leader to return the favour.

“If ever there was an individual politician who has stood with Raila Odinga, then the man is Kalonzo Musyoka. In the last three elections, he has faithfully stood with Raila,” Wamalwa said.

Reciprocate goodwill

“I am sure that the support you offered Raila as the Kamba community will not go unrewarded. When the time comes, we will reach out to Raila and ask him to reciprocate the goodwill, because we are keen on seeking unity and forming the next government.”

The remarks come amid jitters in the ODM over the stability of the working agreement signed between the party and Ruto’s Kenya-Kwanza government two months ago in March 2025.

While a section of ODM leaders and Cabinet Secretaries co-opted into the government are calling for an elaborate partnership in 2027 and beyond, another faction within the party insists the broad-based government will not deter ODM from fielding a presidential candidate in the upcoming election.

Internal wrangles

During the burial of the late Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were on Friday, May 9, 2025, party politics took centre stage, with loyalists of the broad-based government, including Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga and Treasury CS John Mbadi, calling out the divisions.

In a direct jibe, Mbadi confronted ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna on his opposition to the arrangement, stating that failure to support him would only jeopardise the party’s chances of fielding a strong presidential contender in 2027.

“So, if I am there, I expect a hundred per cent support from the party, starting from the secretary general, my brother Sifuna. Please, I am a member of your party; I don’t belong to any other party, I belong to ODM,” Mbadi said.

“If I fail, there is no way, in the 2027 you are talking about, you will convince anyone that ODM can run a government.”

Other leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and ODM’s deputy minority whip in the National Assembly, Caleb Amisi, are among those opposed to the opposition party’s dalliance with the ruling Kenya-Kwanza coalition.

Meanwhile, the substantive opposition led by Kalonzo and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, among other senior politicians, is also expected to come up with a single candidate to challenge Ruto in the 2027 polls.