MP Atandi: No ODM leader can beat Ruto in 2027 polls
Nyanza
By
James Omoro
| Oct 27, 2025
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has claimed that ODM has no capacity to field a presidential candidate in the 2027 polls following the death of the party leader, Raila Odinga.
Atandi said the party should support President William Ruto's re-election as it prepares for the 2032 presidential contest.
Speaking during a fundraiser at Siala Fellowship Roho Church in Kanyaluo, Karachuonyo Constituency, Atandi said nobody in ODM can beat Ruto in the 2027 election.
The MP argued that Odinga died before he prepared anybody to vie for the presidency in 2027.
"Our party leader Raila Odinga died before he prepared anybody in ODM to vie for the presidency. This means nobody in ODM has the capacity to vie for the seat and defeat President William Ruto," Atandi said.
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He wants the ODM party leadership to declare its position and support President Ruto's re-election.
The legislator said re-electing Ruto for a second term in office will enable the party members to be in government after the election.
He criticised some ODM leaders for claiming that Odinga never endorsed President Ruto's re-election, saying they have no capacity to run against him.
"There are those who are disputing our support for Ruto, but they should not ignore the reality that they have no capacity to defeat him in an election. The best action for us to take as ODM leaders is to support President Ruto's re-election," Atandi said.
Atandi was in the company of Migori Senator Eddie Okech, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo and Homa Bay UDA Organising Secretary Kennedy Ongati.
Others were Homa Bay MCAs, including Ouma Odongo (Karachuonyo North) and Samuel Lieta (West Karachuonyo).
The MP, who is also the Budget Committee chairperson in the National Assembly, said they have already allocated more funds to support political parties in the country.
He said they are also engaging with former members of ODM to return to the party.
Odhiambo said ODM leaders from the Nyanza region had resolved to protect the party against people whose interests are no longer with them.
"We are all behind Oburu Oginga as the acting party leader, and we will support Ruto in 2027," Odhiambo said.