ODM Shuts Door on Gachagua Alliance, Signals Long-Term Deal with Ruto Ahead of 2027

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has made a bold political statement by ruling out any future alliance with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The party’s youth wing, led by Kasmuel McOure, announced that ODM would instead remain committed to working with President William Ruto’s administration through the broad-based government arrangement.

The decision marks a major political shift that could reshape Kenya’s 2027 electoral map, signaling that ODM’s nationwide support—stretching from Nyanza to the Coast and Maasailand—could now strengthen Ruto’s hold on power.

ODM’s decision to reject Gachagua while embracing collaboration with Ruto redefines Kenya’s political landscape. With ODM’s national reach, Ruto’s reelection bid in 2027 just became significantly stronger. [Photo/Courtesy]

ODM not Joining Any Alliance with Gachagua Signals 2027 Political Direction

ODM’s declaration that it will not collaborate with Rigathi Gachagua exposes deep ideological divisions within Kenya’s political class. The statement by ODM Youth League leader Kasmuel McOure underscores the party’s intention to stay aligned with the broad-based arrangement initiated under Raila Odinga’s influence.

McOure’s remarks came shortly after increasing speculation that some ODM figures were considering building bridges with Gachagua in preparation for 2027. However, McOure dismissed such proposals, branding Gachagua’s brand of politics “backwards” and incompatible with ODM’s progressive agenda.

He emphasized that ODM’s focus remains on national unity, youth empowerment, and institutional reform—goals he said are better achieved through continued cooperation with President William Ruto than through an alliance with Gachagua.

ODM’s Rejection of Gachagua Points to Strategic Alliance with Ruto

By refusing to join hands with Gachagua, ODM has indirectly aligned itself with Ruto’s political direction. McOure made it clear that the party’s cooperation with Ruto’s administration would continue under the broad-based government that Raila Odinga helped shape before his diplomatic engagement with the African Union.

The message was firm—ODM will not be swayed by internal factions or external pressure to back leaders whose politics undermine Kenya’s national cohesion.

“We shall remain within the Broad-Based Arrangement where Hon. Raila Odinga left us,” McOure said. “We will push for all reforms necessary for a more prosperous Kenya within this framework.”

This position effectively signals that ODM’s machinery—known for its vast grassroots network in Nyanza, Western, Coastal, Nairobi, Turkana, and Maasai regions—could play a decisive role in delivering Ruto a smoother path to reelection in 2027.

Political observers say ODM’s decision could make it extremely difficult for any coalition opposing Ruto to mount a serious challenge. With ODM’s support base and organizational strength, Ruto gains access to regions previously dominated by Raila’s loyalists, potentially consolidating his national appeal.

Kasmuel McOure’s stance signals ODM’s firm direction—loyal to Raila’s legacy, supportive of Ruto’s broad-based agenda, and determined to reject Gachagua’s divisive politics while championing unity and reform. [Photo/Courtesy]

Kasmuel McOure’s Warning to ODM Members

McOure did not mince words in cautioning ODM members who are sympathetic to Gachagua’s politics. He vowed that the youth wing would continue calling out party figures attempting to “romanticize” a partnership with the former Deputy President.

“However progressive a leader may appear, whether within our ranks in ODM or without, they will not convince us to work with Rigathi Gachagua,” McOure declared.

He warned that such political overtures were misguided and counterproductive, arguing that Gachagua’s divisive strategy has destabilized the country’s political ecosystem and deepened regional suspicion.

According to McOure, ODM’s mission is to help the current government deliver economic recovery, social reforms, and justice for victims of police brutality—not to entertain alliances that threaten stability.

“The youth will hold our leaders accountable to ensure that the Kenya Kwanza administration honors its agreement with ODM,” he said. “We expect full delivery of economic empowerment, police reforms, and political inclusivity.”

ODM’s Broad-Based Role and 2027 Implications

ODM’s decision has larger implications beyond immediate political alliances. It reflects the party’s evolution from an opposition force to a national movement with influence inside government. By choosing to cooperate with Ruto instead of clashing with him, ODM positions itself as a stabilizing player capable of influencing policy from within.

The party’s nationwide presence—spanning urban strongholds like Nairobi and Mombasa, and rural bases in Nyanza, Western, Turkana, and Maasailand—gives it unmatched mobilization power. This reach could become Ruto’s strongest political weapon in 2027.

Analysts argue that ODM’s backing could help Ruto counterbalance potential threats from Central Kenya leaders seeking to challenge his influence. Gachagua’s isolation further weakens that camp, making it harder for opposition alliances to coalesce.

McOure’s statement also highlights ODM’s renewed focus on youth inclusion and internal reform. “Elected members of the ODM Party must undertake this task while actively involving the youth,” he said, stressing that the party will not tolerate tokenism or empty promises.

The ODM Youth League has pledged to remain vocal on issues affecting ordinary Kenyans, including economic hardship, unemployment, and governance reforms. The goal, McOure said, is to ensure ODM remains relevant, vibrant, and connected to the people.