- Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni believes the divisions in ODM and UDA will help President Ruto secure a second term.
- ODM is split into two factions—one supporting Ruto and another opposing him.
- UDA is also divided—one side backs Ruto fully while the other supports former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
- Kioni argues that the ongoing political confusion in these two major parties benefits Ruto’s re-election bid.
- MP Peter Kaluma adds that ODM’s dispute revolves around strategy—whether to align with Gachagua or oppose Ruto directly.
Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has stated that the ongoing divisions in ODM and UDA will ultimately ensure President William Ruto secures a second term in 2027.
Speaking on Monday, February 24, 2025, Kioni explained that both ODM and UDA are experiencing internal power struggles, creating a situation that politically benefits the sitting president.
“As we sit today, we have what I may call ODM B. You can clearly see two very vicious groups in ODM. You have ODM A and ODM B. B has decided that it is supporting the current regime even in 2027, while A is completely at variance with that,” Kioni noted.
The former Ndaragwa lawmaker also highlighted a similar divide within UDA, with one faction fully backing President Ruto, while another is aligned with igathi Gachagua.
“When you go to UDA, there is UDA A, which is stuck with the government, and UDA B, which is with Gachagua. You can now see opposition B is trying to play opposition politics, yet they are in government,” Kioni explained.
Political Confusion May Secure Ruto’s Second Term
Kioni believes that if these political disagreements persist until the 2027 elections, Ruto will easily secure another five-year term due to the disunity within his opposition.
“We have ODM B seated in opposition but trying to play government. These two units, ODM B and UDA B, if I were seated in State House, it’s good music because they are the ones likely to guarantee William Ruto another five-year term,” Kioni remarked.
He further stated that as long as ODM and UDA remain divided, the opposition will struggle to build a strong, unified front against Ruto in 2027.
“It’s very clear in my mind—if this confusion in the opposition continues, then they are giving another five-year term to the sitting President,” he added.
Kaluma: ODM Split Over 2027 Election Strategy
Kioni’s remarks come after Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma weighed in on the ongoing split within ODM, noting that the division is primarily about strategy for capturing power.
According to Kaluma, one faction of ODM believes the party should unite with Gachagua, Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, and former CS Fred Matiang’i to remove Ruto from power. The other faction, however, does not trust Gachagua and would rather support Ruto in 2027.
“No doubt, each side is doing all it can to pull Prime Minister Raila Odinga to its side,” Kaluma revealed.
As the 2027 election approaches, the direction ODM and UDA take in their internal battles will likely shape Kenya’s political future
