The requests have mainly come from ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who has openly encouraged the Head of State to rejoin the outfit that shaped his early political career.
According to information picked from sources who reached out to us after reading our earlier story, it appears that President Ruto’s appearance at the ODM Founders Dinner on Saturday caused mixed reactions both inside ODM and within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The dinner, held in Mombasa on November 15, brought together key ODM leaders and long-time allies of the late Raila Odinga.
Many expected a politically charged night, but the President instead opted for humour and symbolic messaging.
Ruto walked into the event wearing a bright yellow Kaunda suit and an orange hat.
This unusual combination immediately raised eyebrows, with some ODM members interpreting it as a possible sign of political realignment.
However, the President cleared the air while addressing the guests.
He explained that he intentionally wore yellow—the colour associated with UDA—because he did not want rumours circulating that he had abandoned his party to rejoin ODM.
At the same time, he included a touch of orange to show respect to ODM and to symbolise his commitment to working with all political sides under what he calls the “broad-based approach.”
Ruto joked that Simba Arati always teases him about returning to ODM whenever they meet, so he decided to prepare himself in advance by mixing colours before attending the dinner.
His light-hearted tone left guests laughing, but the message was clear: he is still in UDA, even though he supports cooperation across parties.
Although Ruto rejected the idea of rejoining ODM, he promised to continue supporting the party where needed.
He even pointed out that several Cabinet members serving in his government come from ODM, which shows that his administration is open to working with everyone.
According to political analysts who spoke to us after reading our earlier update, Ruto’s move appears calculated.
By attending the ODM Founders Dinner and showing respect to its leadership, the President wanted to calm political tensions that grew after Raila Odinga’s death and to reinforce unity at a time when the country is undergoing major political shifts.
Over the past weeks, there has been a renewed push from Governor Arati and other ODM members for former party leaders to return.
Shortly after Raila’s death, Arati said that if Ruto were to rejoin ODM, the party would automatically consider him the presidential candidate for 2027.
He also extended the same invitation to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, urging them to “honour Raila” by returning to ODM and rebuilding the original political home they once shared.
Arati argued that a united ODM would secure a second term for the Kenya Kwanza government, a statement that surprised many given ODM’s long rivalry with UDA.
The presence of President Ruto, ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga, and other senior figures made the Founders Dinner a major political moment.
While Ruto strongly dismissed talk of rejoining ODM, his appearance signaled a new era of political openness and cooperation.
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