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Kasmuel McOure Declares Oburu Oginga ODM’s 2027 Presidential Candidate Amid Coalition Speculation

By Feddy Madede

NAIROBI – Orange Democratic Movement activist Kasmuel McOure has thrown his weight behind party Deputy Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga as the only legitimate presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, igniting fresh debate within ODM ranks over the party’s political direction.

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McOure’s declaration comes amid swirling speculation about potential political realignments following reports of high-level discussions between President William Ruto and senior ODM leaders during the festive season.

Constitutional Mandate vs Political Pragmatism

Speaking with characteristic boldness, McOure invoked the ODM party constitution to support his stance, arguing that any talk of mergers or alternative candidates amounts to nothing more than personal opinions that contradict the party’s established framework.

“According to our party constitution, Dr. Oburu Oginga is our presidential candidate for 2027. Everything else being discussed is just speculation and individual viewpoints,” McOure stated, drawing a clear line in the sand on the succession question.

His intervention adds another voice to an increasingly complex conversation within ODM about whether the party should maintain its independence or pursue coalition arrangements ahead of the next general election.

The Kilgoris Christmas Meeting

McOure’s pronouncement follows revelations of a discreet Christmas Day gathering at President Ruto’s Kilgoris ranch in Narok County, where several top ODM figures were reportedly in attendance.

Sources indicate that the meeting brought together influential party leaders including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and several Cabinet Secretaries aligned with ODM.

The discussions, according to those familiar with the deliberations, centered on exploring possibilities for a pre-election coalition that could reshape Kenya’s political landscape before the 2027 polls.

Divided House: Support and Skepticism

The reported overtures from the Kenya Kwanza administration have exposed fault lines within ODM, with party heavyweights taking divergent positions on the wisdom of such an alliance.

President Ruto has publicly advocated for broader political partnerships, framing them as essential for national unity and development. Governor Nassir appears receptive to this message, having signaled openness to dialogue and cooperation with the government.

However, significant opposition has emerged from other influential party voices. Siaya Governor James Orengo and former Spokesperson Opiyo Wandayi have expressed reservations, warning that premature coalition arrangements could undermine ODM’s national standing and compromise its identity as a viable alternative to the current administration.

“Any coalition must be approached with extreme caution,” one party insider noted. “We cannot sacrifice our party’s integrity and national appeal for short-term political gains.”

Oburu’s Silence and the Road Ahead

Notably absent from the public discourse has been Dr. Oburu Oginga himself, who has yet to issue a definitive statement on either his presidential ambitions or the coalition talks. As ODM Deputy Party Leader and elder brother to party leader Raila Odinga—who currently serves as African Union Commission Chairperson—Oburu’s position carries significant weight.

Party insiders suggest that any major decision will likely be deferred until the upcoming National Delegates Convention, where ODM members will have the opportunity to chart the party’s course toward 2027.

The convention is expected to address critical questions including leadership succession, coalition strategies, and the party’s positioning in an evolving political environment where traditional opposition-government dynamics appear increasingly fluid.

Constitutional Questions and Party Democracy

McOure’s invocation of the party constitution raises interesting procedural questions about how ODM will handle presidential candidate selection. While party rules provide frameworks for such decisions, the reality of Kenyan politics often involves complex negotiations that extend beyond constitutional provisions.

ODM has historically relied on consensus-building among its top leadership, with the party’s National Executive Committee and Parliamentary Group playing crucial roles in major strategic decisions.

The Broader Political Context

The debate within ODM reflects broader uncertainties in Kenya’s political landscape as the country moves toward 2027. With Raila Odinga occupied with continental duties at the AU, questions about ODM’s presidential standard-bearer have become increasingly pressing.

Meanwhile, President Ruto’s outreach to opposition figures—evidenced by the appointment of several ODM members to his Cabinet—suggests a strategy of building a broad-based coalition that could complicate traditional political fault lines.

For grassroots activists like McOure, the priority remains preserving ODM’s independence and ensuring the party fields its own presidential candidate rather than dissolving into a government coalition.

As the National Delegates Convention approaches, all eyes will be on how ODM navigates these competing pressures—between those advocating for strategic coalitions and those insisting on maintaining the party’s distinct identity and presidential ambitions.

The outcome of these internal deliberations will not only determine ODM’s 2027 strategy but could significantly influence the broader configuration of Kenyan politics in the run-up to the next general election.