You must be on the ballot in 2027 - Raila told

By Peter Ochieng

Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leader, Raila Odinga has been told to get ready to be on the presidential ballot in 2027, 'come rain or shine.'

If it happens, it will be Odinga's 6th time to vie for the top seat, after losing to the late Daniel Arap Moi in 1997, the late Mwai Kibaki in 2007, Uhuru Kenyatta in 2013 and 2017, and William Ruto in 2022.

Speaking during the ODM party's membership registration drive in Kwale county on Thursday, Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir said Odinga's 2027 presidential contest is not a matter up for debate.

"I know you have not made me the ODM spokesperson or your spokesperson, I speak for the people of Mombasa, the Coast and Kenyans. We are not asking, we are not requesting or pleading, we the people of Kenya are commanding you to vie for presidency for 2027. You must be on the ballot in 2027," said the first term governor.

"We have not seen anyone who has been able to put aside his own ambitions and put forward the needs of Kenyans. If there is someone who should be prayed for, it is Odinga,” he added.

Speaking earlier, Odinga hinted at the possibility of throwing himself in the presidential ring once more, when he declared that he is still strong.

"Wanasema ati mti mkuu ukianguka wanandege huyumbayumba. Mimi sikuanaguka nilitingishwa tu kidogo na upepo lakini niko Imara," he said.

This translates to, "They say when a major tree falls, birds get disturbed. I did not fall, I was only shaken a bit by the wind but I am still strong."

He said he is still on a mission to defend and fight for Kenya's democracy.

"These people are not following our fathers' foundation and dream of fighting, poverty, hunger, illiteracy and bringing freedom and fairness," he said.

The former Prime Minister who recently celebrated his 79th birthday will be 82 in 2027.

Odinga's co-principal in Azimio, Kalonzo Musyoka has already declared his 2027 presidential bid.