A cloud of uncertainty is hovering over President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration following reports that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga may yet again throw his hat into the presidential ring in 2027. Raila, 80, remains a towering figure in Kenyan politics, having vied for the top seat five times without success. However, murmurs within his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party suggest a fresh presidential bid is still on the table.
Although Raila has largely remained silent on his 2027 intentions, insiders in his camp are sending strong signals that ODM will field a candidate, with many assuming the torchbearer could be the seasoned politician himself. This prospect has caused unease within Ruto’s camp, which had banked on Raila’s political exit following his recent nomination for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
“We are not ruling anything out,” said a senior ODM official. “Our focus is on strengthening the party, and come 2027, we will be in the race with a candidate who can win. If Baba (Raila) is that candidate, so be it.”
The Kenya Kwanza alliance, which won the 2022 general election by a narrow margin, is reportedly re-evaluating its re-election strategy in light of this development. Raila’s formidable political machinery, coupled with mounting public frustration over the high cost of living and recent youth-led protests against the Ruto administration, could rejuvenate the opposition’s chances.
Ruto’s allies had hoped Raila’s AU bid would offer a graceful exit from the domestic political scene, effectively clearing the path for a smoother 2027 campaign. But with Raila’s possible return to the ballot, the stakes have risen significantly. Analysts note that his deep-rooted influence in key voting blocs especially in Nyanza, Western, and parts of Nairobi—could again tilt the political balance.
While the official opposition stance remains ambiguous, the mixed signals have already sparked a flurry of activity on both sides of the political divide. Whether Raila will mount a sixth presidential bid remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the mere possibility has already rattled the political landscape.
Will 2027 be Raila’s swan song or another epic battle for State House? Only time will tell.
