Five Azimio leaders eyeing the presidency in 2027
As the political landscape in the country begins to reshape ahead of the 2027 polls, several key figures within the opposition Azimio la Umoja coalition have thrown their hats into the ring for the coveted presidential seat.
This development coincides with President William Ruto of Kenya Kwanza’s aspirations for re-election, as he eyes a second term in office.
Below are the Azimio leaders who have shown interest in the top seat:
Hassan Joho
On February 13, 2024, former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho declared he will run for the presidency in the 2027 polls.
The ODM deputy leader refuted claims he was eying a local seat in his native Mombasa, saying he was done with regional politics and was now focused on the country’s top seat.
“People were telling me that in the next general election, I should vie for a local seat, I want to tell them I am done with Mombasa politics. I am now focusing on national politics,” he said.
“Is there anything wrong with me asking our party leader to raise my hand and say Hassan Joho Tosha?” the former governor posed.
However, it still remains unknown whether Joho will run for the top political post if his party leader Raila Odinga decides to vie.
Kalonzo Musyoka
In January, 2, 2024, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka announced he will contest for the presidency.
Musyoka, one of the most experienced politicians in the country, insists it is not an option for him to shelve his ambitions for any other candidate. Kalonzo has on three occasions since 2013 elect to back Raila Odinga for the presidency.
Kalonzo expressed optimism he would be backed by his Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party co-principals in the race to State House, further indicating that missing out on the ballot would mean his retirement from politics.
Despite remaining coy about whether the coalition leader Raila Odinga would step down and back his candidacy, Kalonzo reiterated his readiness to be on the ballot citing previous polls where he supported the former premier’s candidacy.
Azimio leader, Raila Odinga at one point hinted he will support Kalonzo’s candidature in 2027.
Wycliffe Oparanya
On March 9, 2024, Deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya said that he would be on the ballot in 2027.
“Let not anyone think that in the absence of Mr Odinga, the opposition will be dead so that Ruto can swim in the leadership miasma without checks. In fact, Addis Ababa is just two hours away from Nairobi. Mr Odinga can have breakfast in Nairobi and report to work on time,” said Oparanya, promising to fly the opposition flag in 2027.
“I will be there in 2027 to give Ruto a run for his money in the presidential race,” he said.
In March 7, 2023, Raila endorsed Joho, Oparanya to lead ODM if he wins the African Union (AU) seat.
Raila Odinga
In November 2023, Azimio La Umoja One Kenya opposition leader Raila Odinga said he will vie for the presidential seat in 2027 for the sixth time should his supporters endorse him.
Raila revealed his presidential bid while in Homa bay during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party registration drive.
“Many people are saying that baba is too old and tired. Do you want me to leave it to anyone? Doyou want me to continue? How many want me to go on? please raise up your hands,” he stated.
“If you want me to go on you have to register into ODM and make it strong. Especially the youth, please come and register. A strong ODM will ensure that Azimio is stronger.”
However, it is not very clear whether he will vie for the post as he is currently eying AU post.
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