Ida Odinga Declares Support for Ruto's Broad-Based Government Ahead of 2027

Late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s widow, Ida Odinga, has declared her firm support for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the broad-based government, delivering a direct setback to opposition factions attempting to split the party's traditional base ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking in Suba North subcounty on Tuesday, Ida urged supporters to remain steadfast in the political alignment established before her husband’s death. She revealed that Raila explicitly instructed her to back President William Ruto's administration before he died suddenly on October 15, 2025.

"When Baba left us, Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga, who was my husband, he left us suddenly," Ida said while presiding over the launch of the Gembe Hills Participatory Management Plan alongside area MP Millie Odhiambo. "Where he left me is where I am still standing. For me, he left me in ODM. That is why there is where I still stand. He left me in broad-based. That is where I stand."

Ida added that Raila identified President Ruto as the official leader of the country whom his followers should support.

"I know he left a lot of people. Where he left you is where you should stand. You don’t move," she told the crowd.

Her public stance reinforces President Ruto’s efforts to consolidate support within traditional ODM strongholds following Raila's passing. As part of this political realignment, President Ruto appointed Ida in 2026 as Kenya’s permanent representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a position she currently holds.

The endorsement directly counters the strategy of the Linda Mwananchi camp, a coalition of dissident ODM members led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo.

Sifuna, who leads the newly formed Linda Mwananchi Party, has been working to construct a broader opposition alliance to challenge President Ruto in 2027. Sifuna and his allies have formed separate political vehicles to distance themselves from the ruling administration, relying on growing dissatisfaction among traditional opposition voters.