By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 12 May 2026 - The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has thrown open the race for all elective positions in the 2027 General Election, signaling the start of intense political activity within the party even as a faction allied to Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga publicly backs President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
In a notice issued by the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC), ODM invited applications from aspirants seeking to contest for the positions of President, Governor, Senator, Woman Representative, Member of the National Assembly and Member of County Assembly on the party ticket.
The announcement marks ODM’s first major electoral mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls and comes amid growing speculation over the party’s political direction following its recent cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
A faction within ODM associated with Oburu Odinga has remained vocal in supporting Ruto’s second term, arguing that the country needs political stability and continuity beyond 2027.
The move has, however, sparked unease among sections of ODM supporters who want the Raila Odinga-led party to retain its identity as the country’s main opposition outfit.
In the notice dated May 11, 2026, NECC chairperson Emily Awita urged interested aspirants to submit their applications through the party’s online portal by June 30, 2026.
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“Interested aspirants are required to apply through the Party’s online portal on or before 30th June 2026,” the notice stated.
The party also directed members to verify their membership details ahead of the nominations process in what insiders describe as an effort to avoid disputes that have previously rocked ODM primaries.
Political observers say the early launch of the exercise is designed to project ODM as a prepared and organised political machine despite the internal debate over whether the party should field a strong presidential challenger or align itself with Ruto in 2027.
The development now sets the stage for heightened succession battles across the country as aspirants scramble to secure the influential ODM ticket while the party navigates an increasingly delicate balancing act between opposition politics and cooperation with the government.