Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio party, who was formerly a close ally but has now become an opponent, has been requested by President William Ruto to return the favor by supporting his run for reelection in 2027.

While expressing his confidence that no one would seriously contest his position as president, President Ruto pressed Odinga to show good manners by returning the gift.

President Ruto was a part of “The Pentagon,” a political alliance that supported Raila’s presidential bid in 2007 and was a part of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

However, Raila lost the hotly disputed election. This led to Kenya’s deadliest post-election violence, which tragically claimed hundreds of lives and caused mass displacement as well as massive property damage.

A ceasefire was mediated by Raila and the late former president Mwai Kibaki during subsequent dialogue sessions aimed at reestablishing calm.

A power-sharing arrangement was eventually achieved as a consequence in February 2008, with Raila taking over as prime minister. President Ruto is proud of the position Raila has attained.

President Ruto minimized the extent of threat posed by former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka despite admitting that he would be his top opponent in the 2027 elections.

President Ruto voiced his belief that Musyoka, who unsuccessfully sought Raila’s running mate nominations in 2013 and 2017, would not represent a significant threat to his incumbent status.