Ida Odinga would easily defeat Ruto in 2027 if she contested – Herman Manyora
Herman Manyora says Ida Odinga would easily defeat Ruto in 2027 if she contested.
Speaking on TV, the University of Nairobi lecturer said Ida has the political maturity, experience and moral authority to lead ODM and revive the opposition after Raila’s death.
“Ida is an intelligent woman,” Manyora said. “She has been in a political family since she married into the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga home and has stood firm for 52 years. If she took over ODM and announced her bid to face Ruto in 2027, every other opposition leader would fall in line.”
Manyora said Ida’s entry into politics could unite the divided opposition and tap into the emotional support of Kenyans still mourning Raila. “If Ida today said, ‘I’m interested in politics’, people would rally behind her to finish the journey Raila started,” he said. “She could sweep between 60 and 65% of the national vote.”
He said a sympathy wave could also benefit her campaign especially among voters who regret not supporting Raila in past elections. “There are people who now feel guilty. They look back and say, ‘Is this the man we denied votes?’” he added.
Manyora dismissed talk of Ruto appointing Ida to his Cabinet saying that would undermine her stature. “She is above that. When we see her we see Raila. She should either guide ODM or contest for the presidency. Anything below that is too small for her,” Manyora said.
He said Ida’s neutrality makes her the best person to lead ODM which is split between members who are cooperating with Ruto’s government and those who are maintaining opposition positions. “Ida is the only person who can command respect across both factions,” he said.
Manyora warned that Oburu Odinga’s closeness to Ruto could weaken ODM’s grassroots base. “If people like Edwin Sifuna leave, they will take their supporters with them and ODM will be a shell of its former self,” he said.He said Raila’s death has shaken the political landscape and many leaders who relied on him are now trying to get close to the government. “There are those who want to make the best out of this situation. They know if you support Ruto you might get something. But none of them will survive politically beyond 2027,” he said.
Manyora said Ruto may try to fill the political vacuum left by Raila by promoting younger members of the Odinga family, including Raila’s daughter Winnie Odinga to key government positions as he tries to consolidate his influence in Nyanza.
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Ida Odinga would easily defeat Ruto in 2027 if she contested – Herman Manyora