“Only Raila could challenge me”: Ruto declares political dominance after Odinga’s death

President William Ruto has declared that with the passing of Raila Odinga, he sees no political rival strong enough to challenge him in Kenya’s 2027 elections.

While on a development tour in Kakamega, Western Kenya, President William Ruto made a bold statement regarding the country’s political future. He said that the only politician who could have truly challenged him in the 2027 elections was the late Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025, in India due to cardiac arrest.

“The only person I was prepared to face in 2027 was the late Raila Odinga. The rest will try, but I’ll defeat them early in the morning on election day,” Ruto said.

He added that current opposition figures lack the strength and influence to pose a serious threat to his re-election bid.

Advertisement

Raila Odinga, aged 80 at the time of his death, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics. He served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and ran for president multiple times, though he never won. Despite this, he remained a symbol of reform and resistance, especially among Kenyans yearning for systemic change.

His funeral drew massive crowds, underscoring his enduring popularity and the emotional void his death has left in the country’s political landscape.

Ruto’s remarks reflect a new political reality in Kenya. With Odinga gone, the ODM party faces internal divisions, and no clear successor has emerged. Analysts suggest that Ruto’s path to re-election may now be less contested, though new alliances and candidates could still reshape the race

Advertisement