Raila’s Adopted Son Oketch Salah Drops Bombshell: Baba Planned to Back Ruto in 2027

Bondo — Internal divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have surfaced following conflicting statements from party leaders regarding the late Raila Odinga’s political plans for the 2027 general elections.

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Speaking during an ODM delegation’s visit to acting party leader Oburu Odinga in Bondo, Oketch Salah, the late former Prime Minister’s adopted son, made claims that have sparked controversy within the opposition party.

Salah stated that Raila had confided in him about his electoral strategy during their final days together in India and during a trip from Dubai. According to Salah, the former premier’s primary concern was maintaining ODM’s unity ahead of the 2027 polls.

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“Baba wanted to back Ruto. I am telling you today. He said that he wanted ODM to be strong so that when we endorse Ruto, it might be impactful,” Salah told party members gathered at Oburu’s residence.

He added that Raila’s intention was to strengthen ODM to ensure any endorsement would carry significant political weight. “Baba’s goal was very clear. His support and his heart were in support of President William Ruto. We are with him fully,” Salah declared.

However, these remarks directly contradict statements made by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna during Raila’s burial ceremony.

Sifuna had maintained that the late leader wanted ODM to field its own presidential candidate in 2027, not back another party’s nominee.

The conflicting narratives have also been echoed by other senior party officials. Governors Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Gladys Wanga reportedly made similar suggestions to Salah’s claims, further deepening the confusion within the party ranks.

Political analysts suggest the internal disagreement reflects a broader power struggle within ODM as the party navigates life without its long-time leader. The party now faces the challenge of interpreting Raila’s vision while managing competing factions and interests.

Salah emphasized that while his remarks did not represent an official ODM position, they reflected his personal conversations with the late leader. The statement has nonetheless raised questions about party unity and the direction ODM will take in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

President William Ruto’s role in organizing an elaborate state funeral for Raila appears to have influenced some ODM members’ sentiments, with observers noting a thawing of relations between sections of the opposition and the Kenya Kwanza administration.

As ODM continues its transition under acting party leader Oburu Odinga, the party is expected to hold consultative meetings to chart its future political path and resolve the emerging contradictions regarding its 2027 strategy.

The ODM National Executive Committee has yet to issue an official statement clarifying the party’s position on the 2027 general elections.

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