Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has warned David Murathe against coercing Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga to ditch President William Ruto and vie for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Friday, August 8, Wandayi criticised Jubilee Vice Chairman David Murathe after the latter revealed that the party would endorse Raila in 2027 if he severed ties with Ruto.

Murathe had, on Thursday, August 7, indicated that Raila would have the support of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s political outfit in the next polls if he exited the broad-based government pact with Ruto.

Speaking after the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, Murathe noted that Raila was still recognised as the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition leader, adding that the former Prime Minister had a significant role to play in Jubilee’s 2027 plan.

“We still recognise Raila as the Azimio leader. We will agree on how to proceed as a coalition,” Murathe said, adding that a new alliance could be formed “to make Ruto a one-term president”. 

However, Wandayi poured cold water on his remarks, asserting that Raila was firmly aligned with Ruto for the foreseeable future.

“I want to tell Murathe to leave Baba Raila Odinga alone. Raila himself decided and widely announced that he would work with Ruto till the end,” Wandayi stated. 

“If they are after a presidential candidate for 2027, there are so many people who have put themselves forward for the seat. So they should leave Raila alone to handle his affairs,” he noted. 

Despite being in government, Raila has largely kept mum on his political ambitions, prompting speculation on what he plans to do ahead of 2027. His partnership with Ruto has led to cracks within ODM, with members split on their support and disapproval of William Ruto.

This ambiguity is something that Murathe had alluded to, describing Raila as a political genius “who has kept everyone guessing”.

Even so, Murathe’s sentiments contradicted those of Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, who has previously maintained that Jubilee is prepared to back former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i for the presidency.

The race for the 2027 presidency is heating up, with incumbent Ruto, united opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, and Martha Karua all laying claim to the top seat.