The ruling United Democratic Alliance UDA party has agreed to pursue a pre-election coalition arrangement with the Orange Democratic Movement ODM party, after it has reviewed its party growth from the ongoing grassroots elections being conducted in various areas to net 2.4 million members.
UDA’s National Executive Committee, chaired by President William Ruto consented after ODM initiated the move to start talks, led by their late party Founder Raila Odinga’s brother Oburu Oginga who now heads the party.
UDA Party leadership on its part, has tasked its Party Leader, President Samoei Ruto, to begin what they called structured talks with the ODM Party ahead of an alliance for purposes of a joint presidential ticket at the 2027 polls.
“We are establishing mechanisms for structured engagement with the ODM Party to deepen political cooperation, build consensus on shared priorities, and provide a clear framework for dialogue, coordination, and partnership,” President Ruto said following the directive.
“The objective is to strengthen the ongoing political partnership, support stable governance, and lay the foundation for a formal coalition arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election.”
Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru who attended the State House meeting confirmed the move.
“We also agreed on broader political dynamics, including negotiating a coalition agreement with ODM party ahead of the 2027 elections as we shape the next phase of national politics”, she posted on her social media.
The UDA meeting also reviewed the party’s growth, reflecting on the recent grassroots elections, and reaffirmed their commitment to unity, strong party structures, and inclusive leadership.
ODM leaders among them Kisumu Senator Senior Counsel Tom Ojienda have lauded the move stating that a pre-election pact was move preferred and aligns with Articles 10 and 14(6) of the ODM Constitution,
“A UDA–ODM pre-election coalition is important because these are the two biggest parties in the country, and I can assure you that once the two parties form a pre-election coalition, the election is won, and President Ruto will secure a second term”, Sen. Ojienda told local media.
He added, ” Therefore, the most reliable approach to coalition building between ODM and UDA would be to enter into a pre-coalition agreement that clearly sets out the terms and conditions of the arrangement prior to the elections,”.
However, other political leaders are calling for caution and urging the ODM party to reconsider the arrangement with UDA, pointing out that ODM is an old party hence should be careful not to be swayed to compromise its ideals
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo ,is among those calling for caution.
” UDA is the smallest party in the country, and that’s why ODM needs to be careful not to be swallowed, bought, or misused, because a lot of Kenyans have hope in ODM’s fight for justice in the country,” he said.