November 3, 2025 – In a surprising political twist, Nairobi MCA Hon. Robert Alai has declared that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will support President William Ruto unconditionally in the 2027 General Election.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Alai made the bold proclamation while warning top ODM officials against issuing threats or ultimatums to the Head of State. His remarks have ignited intense debate within Kenya’s political circles, signaling a potential realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
“ODM leaders must avoid blackmail as a currency on the engagements with H.E. @WilliamsRuto,” Alai stated.
He further cautioned party members against leveraging their loyalty to extract political favors from the President, emphasizing that only the party’s long-serving leader, Raila Odinga, could navigate such high-stakes engagements due to his unique political stature.
“Anyone giving the President ultimatums on behalf of supporters must know that there are some things only Baba @RailaOdinga could get away with because of his experience, performance, and character in the political sphere,” Alai wrote.
Alai made it clear that ODM, which has traditionally opposed Ruto’s administration, will now rally behind him unconditionally in the 2027 polls.
“Omiyo we are going to 2027 as ODM to support President Ruto WITHOUT CONDITIONS,” Alai declared.
He described those in ODM who are attempting to attach conditions to their support as engaging in “blackmail,” warning that such behavior would not be tolerated within the party.
“Anyone from ODM giving Ruto conditions is on a thin line of blackmail which we won’t allow or entertain,” Alai said.
In a symbolic analogy, Alai likened President Ruto to a caring guardian, describing the post-Raila political landscape in Luo culture.
“In Luo, when your father passed on, you are left in the guardianship of an uncle. We found a loving and able uncle called William Ruto. We are not going to engage Uncle William with threats, intimidations, blackmail, etc. We are going to be respectful, obedient, and loyal kids under the tender care of #UncleWilliamRuto,” he stated.
ODM leaders must avoid blackmail as a currency on the engagements with H. E. @WilliamsRuto
Anyone giving the President ultimatums on behalf of suppprtets must know that there are some things only Baba @RailaOdinga could get away with because of his experience, performance and…
Alai’s remarks came barely 24 hours after ODM acting leader Oburu Odinga — elder brother to Raila Odinga — announced that the party would not back President Ruto in 2027 unless the party was guaranteed the Deputy President position in the Kenya Kwanza government.
Oburu, while addressing party supporters, maintained that the party’s Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna was the official spokesperson and that ODM would not shy away from fielding its own presidential candidate if their demands were ignored.
“ODM will not support Ruto in 2027 unless there is a clear power-sharing agreement. We cannot just support blindly,” Oburu stated.
Tensions Within ODM Intensify
The divergent statements by Alai and Oburu highlight growing tensions within ODM over its future political direction. While a section of party officials advocates for a pragmatic approach — possibly aligning with Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration — others insist on maintaining ODM’s independence.
Recently, ODM insiders have called for the expulsion of Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino for their perceived closeness to the government. However, Oburu dismissed those calls, instead welcoming Babu Owino’s energy and influence, saying the party needs young leaders to stay relevant.
“Babu Owino brings youthful energy that ODM needs to move forward,” Oburu said.
Political Implications Ahead of 2027
Alai’s declaration marks one of the most significant shifts within ODM since Raila Odinga’s announcement of his intention to step back from active politics. His public show of support for Ruto could signal the beginning of a larger movement within the opposition party to realign with the ruling coalition.
Political analysts suggest that ODM’s internal wrangles could weaken its bargaining power ahead of 2027 if the party fails to unify behind a clear strategy. Some believe that Alai’s comments reflect a faction within ODM that sees collaboration with Ruto as a strategic survival move in Kenya’s evolving political environment.
As ODM grapples with questions about leadership succession and coalition politics, Alai’s remarks have once again thrust the party into the national spotlight — sparking debates about loyalty, ideology, and the future of opposition politics in Kenya.
If Alai’s stance gains traction within the party, the 2027 General Election could witness one of the most unexpected political alliances in Kenya’s history — ODM and Ruto’s UDA working together for a shared future.
