Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has downplayed the chances of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i securing the presidency solely based on the Kisii vote. Speaking in Kisii on Thursday, Raila emphasized that no single ethnic bloc, including Kisii, Luo, Luhya, or even Mount Kenya votes, is enough to guarantee a candidate victory in the 2027 general elections.
“You cannot be elected as president of Kenya on the basis of Kisii votes, or Luo votes, or Luhya votes for that matter, or even the Mount Kenya votes,” Raila stated. He urged aspirants to build nationwide support instead of relying on ethnic backing.
Raila, who was in the company of several political leaders, noted that if Matiang’i decides to run for the presidency, he must seek votes across Kenya to stand a realistic chance of winning. He further dismissed the notion that any ethnic community could singularly produce a presidential candidate, stressing that the presidency is a national seat that requires broad-based support.
“There is nothing like a community producing a candidate. Somebody who is running for president is vying for the presidency of Kenya. If you want to be elected, you will be elected by Kenya generally,” he added.
Despite speculation surrounding Matiang’i’s potential bid, Raila clarified that the former Interior CS had not officially declared his interest in the presidency. “Mr. Matiang’i has not, as things stand, come out to speak clearly about his intention to run for the presidency,” he said.
Raila’s remarks come amid reports that a coalition pact between President William Ruto and himself is set to be signed on Friday after weeks of speculation. The deal is expected to bring the opposition closer to the government, marking a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape.
Sources indicate that President Ruto will hold a Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting at State House, where members will ratify the agreement to form a coalition with Raila’s ODM party. The development could have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s 2027 elections and the balance of political power in the country.
