Ruto Rejects Calls to Rejoin ODM, Clarifies Yellow Kaunda Suit at Founders Dinner
Speaking at the ODM Founders Dinner in Mombasa on Saturday, November 15, the Head of State responded to remarks made by ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who had urged him to return to the party he helped establish two decades ago.
“Earlier today, I was in Kitui, and I knew that when I come for this ODM meeting, Simba Arati will start telling me to join ODM because he is used to saying it,” Ruto said, drawing laughter from the audience.
“I knew the UDA members would think I had left them, so I decided to wear yellow so that they could see I was still with them. But I had to mix with orange so that they can see I am still broad‑based. I hear the Ukambani colour is also yellow, so I started in Kitui, then I came here.”
Commitment to Broad-Based Governance
While rejecting calls to rejoin ODM, Ruto assured the party of his administration’s support, noting that several ODM members currently serve in his Cabinet. He emphasized that his government remains committed to inclusivity and collaboration across political divides.
“We are building a broad‑based government. ODM is part of that journey, and I will continue to support its role in shaping Kenya’s future,” the President said.
Simba Arati’s Invitation
Calls for Ruto to return to ODM intensified following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga last month. On October 20, just five days after Raila’s passing, Governor Arati suggested that Ruto would automatically become ODM’s presidential candidate in 2027 if he rejoined the party.
“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 at the time.
A few days later, Arati extended the invitation to other former ODM members, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, urging them to return to ODM to honour Raila Odinga’s legacy and strengthen the party ahead of the next election.
“As the deputy party leader, we have told President William Ruto to come back to ODM. We also want to tell Uhuru Kenyatta and even Kalonzo, who was also in ODM, to come back to honour Raila Odinga by coming back to ODM so that we can win in 2027,” Arati said on October 25.
Political Context
Ruto’s remarks at the Founders Dinner highlight the delicate balance between political loyalty and cross‑party collaboration. As a founding member of ODM and former deputy party leader, his presence at the anniversary event underscored his historical ties to the party. However, his insistence on remaining with UDA reflects his determination to consolidate his base while maintaining a broad‑based approach to governance.
Conclusion
The ODM Founders Dinner, held in honour of Raila Odinga’s legacy, showcased both unity and underlying tensions within Kenya’s political landscape. While President Ruto rejected calls to rejoin ODM, his symbolic attire and assurances of support signaled a willingness to work across party lines.
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Ruto Rejects Calls to Rejoin ODM, Clarifies Yellow Kaunda Suit at Founders Dinner
