Aasai

The Jubilee party led by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has sparked a major debate in politics by suggesting that it will support ODM leader Raila Odinga in the 2027 general elections on condition. The partys move has re -emerged tensions within the opposition and worries leaders in the integrated government where Odinga is currently playing an important role in silence. Jubilees vice -chairman, David Murathe, who is a close friend of Kenyatta said that the party could support Raila Odinga in the 2027 presidential race, if he only interrupted his relationship with the first Kenyan government led by President William Ruto. Speaking after a meeting of the Jubilee National Executive Committee in Nairobi on Tuesday, the first meeting since the conclusion of a series of internal pursuit of party leadership, Murathe announced that the Jubilee still recognizes Odinga as the leader of the Union -One Kenya Declaration.

He said that the party is waiting for the next Odinga political action before planning a 2027 strategy. However, his statement contradicted the position of Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni that the party supports Dr Fred Matiangi as presidential candidate. "We continue to recognize Raila as the leader of the Declaration Party. As a Union, we will decide how to proceed. But I can tell you we have Tinga (Raila) until we decide otherwise," Murathe told National Today, adding that the new alliance could be formed "to make Ruto the president of one term." But his statement has sparked strong statements within the opposition. Dap‑k leader Eugene Wamalwa, who is part of the opposition coalition led by Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said Odinga should first apologize to Kenyans in collaboration with Ruto. He added that even if he left Ruto and returned to the opposition, he is not expected to be a presidential candidate directly.

"What we want to tell Raila is to apologize to Kenyans for betraying them. Once he does, we have not yet chosen our presidential candidate, so he should be ready to join the queue because we have five presidential candidates," Wamalwa told the nation today. "We have Eugene Wamalwa (DAP‑K), Fred Matiangi, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Martha Karua (PLP) and Rigathi Gachagua (DCP). We will compete for the ticket, so if Raila joins us today, he will compete with us." Wamalwa also strongly criticized Odinga for the March 2025 agreement with Ruto, claiming it was contrary to the resolution of Gen Z. "Kenyans have already decided that Rutos presidency will be one term," said Wamalwa. "Raila should recognize that quickly and let the association he signed in March 2025, it is best for him and the nation."

He also claimed that Odinga killed a resolution by not sharing his fellow cadres before signing Mou and Ruto. He said with the opposition to welcome Odinga again if he left the government, he must apologize to Kenyans and then join the queue to compete for the 2027 presidential ticket. The statements are overwhelming as the tension intensifies to the ODM about the fate of the opposition and the direction that Mr Raila Odinga will take. ODM Secretary -General Edwin Sifuna has been publicly condemning the structure of the integrated government while some of the partys senior leaders differ. ODM deputy leader Godfrey Osotsi appeared to refuse the Jubilee action to support Raila on conditions, saying that Mr Odinga did not need any conditions. "ODM welcomes support to our party leader, but it should not be conditional," said Mr Osotsi. "Raila is very dedicated to Kenya and has been a patriot. It is not fair to give him conditions."