In an interview on a local podcast on Saturday, January 24, 2026, Amisi said the former ODM leader was reluctant to enter the Kenya Kwanza-ODM partnership and only did so under pressure from some of his closest allies.
Amisi, a vocal critic of the cooperation between ODM and Ruto’s administration, alleged that after Raila lost his bid for the African Union chairmanship in January 2025, some leaders tried to force him into public alignment with Ruto — including arranging joint rallies in Nairobi.
According to Amisi, he, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Senator Godfrey Osotsi intervened by flying Raila to Dubai to keep him away from the planned Nairobi events, arguing that the ex-Prime Minister did not want to be seen campaigning alongside Ruto.
The MP said Raila’s location in Dubai prompted a response from other ODM figures, including National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, who were reportedly sent to “retrieve” him.
Instead of bringing him to Nairobi, Amisi claimed Raila was taken to Mombasa, where party officials and Ruto’s allies were allegedly ready with signed documents to formalise the coalition.
Amisi insisted that Raila refused to sign the pre-drafted agreement and rejected calls to hold a public rally alongside Ruto in Mombasa, choosing instead to return to Kisumu.
“Raila refused to sign,” he said, questioning why such pressure was applied if the partnership was genuinely consensual.
