ODM will not field a presidential candidate in 2027, we will support Ruto - Oburu

Instead, the party has resorted to supporting President William Ruto's bid for a second term.

"‎In this coalition that we are negotiating. We already know this time around ODM will not field a candidate. So, we are going to support President William Ruto for the second term," Oburu said during a church fundraiser at St. Pascal's Chiga Catholic Church in Homa Bay Town on Sunday. 

Oburu argued that the move is aimed at strengthening the broad-based government and ensuring the Nyanza region continues to benefit from national development projects.

“As we move to support him in the second term. We must go there in a structured manner. Knowing what we are going to get as ODM. We are going to make sure our policies are merged in. We are going to make sure structures of participation are there and are known," said Oburu.

The sentiments were supported by ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, who said Nyanza has seen major projects under the broad-based government, including roads and the SGR extension to Kisumu; hence, they will back Ruto's re-election.

She therefore urged other leaders to give the commission a conducive environment to conduct its mandate.

‎PS Interior, Raymond Omollo, also appealed to the clergy to avoid offering churches as a platform where leaders preach hatred and division.

‎Other leaders also defended the broad-based government, citing ongoing infrastructure and health investments in the region.