Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto has suggested that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga may not be on the ballot in the 2027 general election, but will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s DayBreak on Tuesday, Wandeto argued that Odinga is positioning himself strategically to secure a stronger bargaining position for himself and his allies.
“I see he could be raising the stake for a better deal,” Wandeto noted, adding that Odinga could exert even more influence by simply appearing to step back from direct competition.
Odinga, who has not officially declared his 2027 ambitions, recently urged ODM members to refrain from speculating on the party’s electoral strategy, emphasizing unity and alignment. During ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations, he likened his past political role to that of an “emergency doctor” who stabilized the “patient”—Kenya—suggesting his current focus may lie beyond presidential contests.
Wandeto further observed that Odinga’s statements appeared to weaken the “Kumi bila break” campaign, and hinted at openness to the “one term” debate gaining traction in some circles.
For Wandeto, Odinga’s influence is undoubted: “From where I sit, I doubt he will be on the ballot. I think he will just be a stakeholder in the 2027 general election.”
Political analysts echo this sentiment, pointing to Odinga’s evolving role as a national statesman and continental voice, rather than a presidential aspirant.
