Ruto Promised Presidential Ticket In 2027 If He Returns To ODM
The governor pointed to Ruto’s recent remarks praising ODM’s legacy and his calls for unity as a sign that the Head of State still holds goodwill toward the party.
Marvin Chege 
Kisii Governor Simba Arati, on Monday, October 20, made a daring public appeal to President William Ruto, urging him to “return home” to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a party he co-founded.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kisii, Arati — who also serves as ODM’s Deputy Party Leader — declared that if President Ruto were to rejoin the party, he would instantly become ODM’s presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.
The governor pointed to Ruto’s recent remarks praising ODM’s legacy and his calls for unity as a sign that the Head of State still holds goodwill toward the party.
Photo of Kisii Governor, Simba Arati. /FILE
According to Arati, Ruto’s comeback would also honour the vision of the late Raila Odinga, who led ODM for over 20 years.
“The President yesterday said he is going to ensure that ODM remains the party it is. I want to urge him today, Mheshimiwa Ruto, you were a founding member of ODM. How I wish that you would come back to your former party,” Arati said.
“If you came back to ODM, then we would have you as our flag bearer. If you came back, we would fulfil the promise Baba had a vision for.”
Arati further pledged to uphold Raila’s legacy, describing the former Prime Minister as a guiding force who helped steer Kenya’s political course.
He echoed sentiments shared by other ODM leaders during Raila’s burial — insisting that the party would not remain in opposition beyond 2027, as it plans to field a candidate in the next General Election.
ODM was formed after the 2005 constitutional referendum, when Raila and Ruto led the “No” campaign against a proposed constitution, symbolized by the now-iconic Orange logo.
Arati’s remarks are expected to stir debate within ODM, especially amid uncertainty over the party’s leadership following Raila’s death.
During Raila’s burial, leaders, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, vowed to keep the party united, though differences have begun to emerge over its future direction.
Known for his fiery rhetoric, Arati concluded his address with a bold metaphor, saying he was ready to take on any political hurdles ahead, likening them to “crocodiles” he was prepared to face.
