Alego Usonga Member of Parliament Samuel Atandi has said that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders will rally behind President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election, saying the party is not prepared to field a candidate.

Mr Atandi noted that the late ODM leader, Raila Odinga, died without grooming a successor to contest for the presidency, leaving the party without a clear candidate for the next election.

The MP’s statement coincides the party’s resolutions after a meeting on the day, which reaffirmed its commitment to supporting President William Ruto’s broad-based government.

The announcement was made against the backdrop of speculation of divisions within the party over whether it should pull out.

Speaking after a Central Management Committee meeting, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna dismissed claims of disunity and insisted that the party would uphold the late Raila Odinga’s vision of a unified and peaceful nation.

“ODM is not just a political party; it is a covenant. A covenant that we, the living, must now renew. Let us resist the temptation to scatter in despair, or to fight over his political inheritance as leaders often do when giants fall,” Sifuna said.

In Karachuonyo constituency Atandi, who also chairs the National Assembly Budget Committee, said that ODM currently lacks the structure and leadership readiness to mount a national presidential campaign, arguing that the party’s focus should instead be on internal reorganisation rather than launching a presidential bid.

He also criticised members who had claimed that Odinga never endorsed President William Ruto before his death and that the party should therefore produce its own presidential flag bearer. The MP observed that none of the current ODM leaders have the political strength or capacity to challenge the president in the upcoming 2027 polls.

“As things stand, no one within ODM is adequately prepared to run for the presidency,” Atandi said. “If there is a leader who believes they can defeat President Ruto in the next general election, let them step forward and prove it,” he challenged.

The legislator was accompanied by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo and Homa Bay MCAs. He also defended Ruto against allegations that he wants to undermine opposition parties, saying the president has demonstrated goodwill through increased political party funding.

“When I was working on the most recent national budget, President Ruto personally called me and emphasized the importance of allocating sufficient funds for political parties to operate,” Atandi explained, adding, “Someone who ensures that parties are financially supported cannot destroy them.”

He urged ODM members to work closely with President Ruto who is a former member of ODM, saying that they are going back to former members to rejuvenate the party as its future depends on cooperation rather than confrontation.

“As ODM members across the country, we are ready, and we will fight for Ruto to be re-elected,” he declared.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Sitna Omar