President William Ruto on Sunday predicted that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party will form the next government or be part of the next government if it remains united.

President Ruto leads the governing United Democratic Alliance. He did not explain if he will cede ground to opposition party in the August 2027 General Elections.

While the president’s statement was viewed to a deliberate lie to hoodwink the Lake Victoria Basin electoral bloc into supporting his highly discredited administration, it is universally acknowledged that he is desperate to cling onto power at whatever cost.

Addressing mourners during the burial service of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology on Sunday, President Ruto gave the assurance to hold ODM together ahead of the next elections.

“Baba (Raila Odinga) believed in political parties. The strength and future of ODM and other political parties are needed to make them strong and vibrant,” he said.

Ruto said, “As a sign of respect to Raila, l will not allow anybody to kill ODM or gamble with it outside the broad-based government.”.

The president revealed that for the past three months, he had engaged deeply with Raila and agreed on what they must do to move Kenya out of third-world status.

“We invited Prof Hino to Kenya to engage on plans to get Kenya out of the mess. We agreed with Raila on plans for a nuclear energy in Siaya to generate 10,000 megawatts,” he noted.

He added,” We agreed to extend the standard gauge railway from Naivasha through Siaya to Malaba, besides building a dual carriage road along Rironi-Nakuru-Eldoret-Malaba and Kericho-Kisumu-Malaba.

Ruto said some people questioned why he accorded Raila state a funeral and yet is not the president. “Yes, he was not president, but he was the people’s president.”

Ruto said he knew Raila since 1994 when he became MP for Eldoret North. He became KANU Secretary General.

“We founded ODM with Raila who became party leader. Raila was not just an engineer but a political engineer who incorporated me in his engineering class and mentored me,” he said, adding Raila made a huge sacrifice to our nation, family and the country.

Raila’s widow Ida Odinga said her husband, had expressed concern about Kenya and the state of devolution, noting that countries like South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore had graduated to first world countries and Kenya is still a third world country.

Former Nigerian President Olesegun Obasanjo thanked President Ruto for honouring Raila Odinga with a state funeral. Obasanjo described Raila as understanding, lovely, accommodative. He regretted that he had lost a friend, a confidant and a co-worker who traversed the continent to preach peace.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta described the departed politician as “a friend, a brother and a leader whose strength and insight will be remembered for a long time.”

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka said Raila struggled for Justice and corruption, but he never harboured bitterness over 2013 and 2017 stolen elections. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula handed copies of the Hansard that had a record of Raila’s speeches when he served as Member of Parliament for Lang’ata and Prime Minister to Ida Odinga for library reference.

Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho denied betraying Raila and his cause, noting that ODM values and principles are deep in his heart. Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi supported the broad-based government, assuring Ruto that they would walk together.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, National ODM Chair Gladys Wanga and Acting Party Leader Oburu Odinga.

Earlier ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said there is no time for divisive narratives in the party, and there is no failing Raila’s party because ODM is one of his biggest legacy.

“We shall keep the party united. I urge members to talk to party members as we keep quiet on what you will do to Raila’s party,” Sifuna said.

Recalling October September 22, 2025, saying, “Baba called me to Serena Hotel, where he told me on the need to be prepared for 2027 elections.”

Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina said ODM will not disintegrate while Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga urged the government to rename Talanta Stadium Raila Memorial Stadium and Raila Odinga Memorial Cup to be held at the same.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed said they will either be in the government in 2027 or in the collision that will form the government.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Absalom Namwalo and Calvin Otieno