Governor Arati invites President Ruto back to ODM, promises 2027 presidential ticket
ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati in conversation with President William Ruto at a past function. PHOTO | COURTESY
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Speaking at Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kisii, Arati, who also serves as ODM's Deputy Party Leader, stated that if President Ruto rejoins the party, he will be considered its flag bearer in the 2027 General Election.
“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 come back to your former party,” said Arati.
“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 reaffirmed ODM's commitment to carrying on the ideals of the late Raila Odinga, describing him as "our north, our compass in times of challenge."
“We commit to carrying Baba’s dream forward. Raila was our north, our compass in times of challenges; his vision will forever be the foundation upon which we build Kenya’s future,” he said. “Let’s honour his memory by doing the things he championed for.”
The Kisii Governor expressed confidence that ODM would not remain in opposition after the next elections, and predicted that the party—or a coalition led by it—would form the next government.
“As the deputy party leader of ODM, I’m determined to ensure that ODM remains the biggest party in the country,” he stated. “We will form the government either as a party or as a coalition. We will no longer remain in opposition.”
Arati, known for his fiery political rhetoric, declared that he was ready to face any challenges that arose, comparing them to "crocodiles" that he promised to defeat.
“For sure I know hard times are ahead of us; crocodiles are there. We will be there to handle them. As Simba Arati, the Governor of Kisii, I can assure you that in 2027 we will have our candidate as the presidential candidate,” he affirmed.
Arati’s remarks come as ODM embarks on a major reorganisation following the death of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga.
The party is currently repositioning itself ahead of the 2027 polls, with top officials vowing to safeguard Odinga’s legacy and strengthen the movement he built
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