Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has responded firmly to politicians allied with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who are urging him to run for president in 2027.
Speaking on Saturday at the funeral of veteran retired pilot Colonel James Nguyo Gitahi in Maanzoni, Machakos County, Odinga stated that he has won nearly every presidential election he has contested, but unfortunately, he has never been declared the winner.
“The only free and fair election was the 2002 one. The rest, you know, as SK has told you. So don’t tell me I want to win an election; I have won many times. I just haven’t been declared the winner,” he said.
Odinga’s comments were in response to Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who had suggested that Odinga team up with Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka for the 2027 race to unseat President Ruto.
Odinga advised those encouraging him to make a sixth bid for the presidency to be patient, noting that 2027 will eventually come.
“Now I see this young man from Murang’a saying if you want to be president, you should team up with Gachagua and Kalonzo. You don’t know where I’ve come from, my friend, but that’s okay. This country could catch fire if people aren’t careful,” Odinga remarked.
The former prime minister, who recently signed a political agreement with President Ruto, emphasized that the country must be united to address its challenges rather than focusing on removing the head of state.
According to Odinga, the high cost of living is a major concern for Kenyans, and removing President Ruto would only deepen the country’s political instability and exacerbate its problems.
“Kenyans need to survive until 2027. The cost of living is too high; people are suffering because food prices are high, taxes are too high, and corruption has increased. You say Ruto should go, but then what happens? Gachagua leaves, and now you want Ruto to leave, Kindiki stays, and then someone else comes in…” Odinga said.
He continued, “Recently, we were asking for the server to be opened because we believed the truth was inside it. Did they open it? But the important thing is that Kenya is greater than all of us. Democracy is a process, not something you can brew and drink instantly.”
Odinga urged the elected leaders who attended the funeral to focus on serving the people.