Only Raila Odinga Can Beat Ruto in 2027 – Kaluma

As Kenya’s political landscape heats up ahead of the 2027 general election, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has declared that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga remains the only viable contender capable of defeating President William Ruto and denying him a second term in office, should he decide to run for the presidency.

In a provocative statement on X, Kaluma, a loyalist of Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), dismissed other opposition figures, claiming their combined support would not exceed even 15 per cent of the national vote.

“Only Baba, Raila Odinga, can beat President William Ruto if he runs in 2027,” Kaluma posted. “The other so-called ‘opposition leaders,’ even if united, can’t muster 15% of Kenya’s total vote.”

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The legislator went further, suggesting that a coalition between Raila and Ruto would render the 2027 election a foregone conclusion. “If Raila joins forces with Ruto, we wouldn’t even need to hold a presidential election,” he said.

Raila, aged 80, a towering figure in Kenyan politics with a decades-long career, has run for the presidency five times without victory. Yet, according to Kaluma, his broad support base and ability to mobilise voters across regions still make him a formidable challenger.

His comments come as speculation grows about political alliances ahead of the next election. President Ruto, who became president in 2022, has been working to promote national unity and gain support nationwide. Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, are trying to unite their forces.

The opposition coalition also includes notable figures such as former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, and former United Nations official Mukhisa Kituyi, who are seeking to unite behind a single candidate to ensure Ruto serves only one term as president.

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