Speaking during the Piny Luo Festival in Migori County on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Ruto encouraged ODM members to strengthen their party structures while highlighting the possibility of a future alliance.
Ruto emphasized that building a strong ODM would allow both parties to plan together for the country's leadership.
"You must organize and strengthen your party. If ODM grows stronger, we will also make UDA stronger. Then we can agree on how to lead the government together," he said.
The president’s remarks hinted at collaboration beyond the broad-based arrangement previously signed with the late Raila Odinga in March 2025.
This partnership has already laid the foundation for closer ties between the two parties. Ruto stressed that a solid structure within ODM would make it easier to plan a united approach for the country’s governance.
During his speech, Ruto paid tribute to the late ODM leader, acknowledging his role in shaping Ruto's political journey.
“I was once an ODM member. Raila taught me a lot about politics. He guided me, and I consider myself one of his top students. He helped me become the president of Kenya,” Ruto stated.
He also extended an invitation to political rivals to join him in working toward national unity and progress.
“I want friends from all sides to come together and help move our nation forward,” he added, underlining his commitment to inclusive leadership.
Ruto’s comments come amid claims from some opposition politicians that he has been working to weaken ODM from within. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused Ruto of attempting to destabilize the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Ruto has harmed ODM, and this is disappointing. He even told me he wanted to finish ODM when I was his deputy,” Gachagua said.
