Orange Democratic Movement party leader Oburu Odinga is automatic presidential candidate in 2027

Orange Democratic Movement party leader Oburu Oginga said he will be the party’s presidential candidate in 2027. The ODM constitution states that party leader is automatically its presidential candidate. Oburu, who is also Siaya County senator, said in his New Year address that the party is debating whether to join a coalition or run its candidate in the general election. Oburu said that if ODM decides to go it alone in the next election, he would be the party’s presidential flagbearer, citing the party’s constitution. “That presidential candidate is clearly stated in the constitution of our party, and it is the party leader. I am the party leader. I am the presidential candidate for ODM if ODM decides that it goes it alone,” Oburu said. “Anybody who is preparing himself to go for the presidential election in ODM is misplaced. If they want to go for presidential candidacy, they should look for another party. This particular party’s presidential candidacy is already decided by its own constitution.” ODM top leaders are divided on whether to support President William Ruto's re-election bid or sponsor its candidate. A group led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, MP Babu Owino and the late party leader Raila Odinga's daughter Winnie Odinga has called on ODM to review its dealings with Ruto regarding the broad-based government arrangement. On the other hand, party chairman Governor Gladys Wanga, Minority leader Junet Mohammed and ministers Opiyo Wandayi, John Mbadi and Hassan Joho want the party to support President Ruto.