Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has officially declared that he will back Raila Odinga in the 2027 presidential race, ending months of speculation over his political plans.
This comes as his camp strongly dismissed claims that he was positioning former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i for the top seat.Sources close to Mr. Kenyatta stated that it would not be Matiang’i, confirming that the former Head of State is fully behind Mr. Odinga’s bid for another attempt at the presidency.
Mr. Kenyatta, who supported Mr. Odinga in the 2022 general election against then Deputy President William Ruto, is now said to be quietly rallying allies around the ODM leader in a fresh push for State House.
Though rarely seen in public, the former president has been hosting key political figures at his home in Ichaweri, Gatundu South.
Behind closed doors, he is believed to be coordinating strategies and mobilizing support, especially from Mt. Kenya and former Jubilee strongholds.In an exclusive interview set to air on NTV, Mr. Odinga revealed that Mr. Kenyatta had played a critical role during the Gen Z protests in 2023.
He said that the former president called him from the United States and encouraged dialogue with President Ruto to stabilize the country.
Mr. Odinga added that he shared the idea with his Azimio colleagues, with whom he consults regularly.
Despite his retirement, Mr. Kenyatta continues to shape the political landscape through behind-the-scenes influence, financial support, and loyalty from Mt. Kenya voters, positioning himself as a key player in the 2027 race.
By Daily Nation