Ruto, Odinga Agree on Joint Candidates for November By-Elections

President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have reached an agreement to jointly field candidates in 23 electoral areas during the upcoming by-elections set for 27 November 2025.

The deal between Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political dynamics, with both parties aiming to strengthen their influence ahead of the 2027 General Election. According to party officials, the agreement is part of a broader strategy to consolidate support at both parliamentary and county levels while limiting gains by emerging opposition parties.

As part of the arrangement, UDA will back ODM candidates in Kasipul and Ugunja constituencies, while ODM will support UDA nominees in Malava, Banisa, and the Baringo Senate race. These areas have traditionally aligned with their respective parties, and the partnership is seen as a test of the viability of a united front.

The by-elections follow vacancies caused by the deaths of MPs Malulu Injendi (Malava), Hassan Kullow (Banisa), and Senator William Cheptumo (Baringo), as well as Cabinet appointments involving Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja) and Ruku (Mbeere North). In Magarini, the seat became vacant after a court nullified the 2022 election of ODM’s Harrison Kombe. Both ODM and UDA have nominated candidates for this seat, Kombe and Stanley Karisa Kenga respectively, though talks on fielding a single candidate are ongoing.

UDA National Elections Board chair Anthony Mwaura confirmed the party’s goal of securing over 80 percent of the contested seats. He said UDA aspirants in ODM strongholds would be asked to step down in favour of joint candidates, citing internal polling data as the basis for selection. Electronic nominations are scheduled for 20 September in constituencies with multiple contenders, including Malava and Baringo.

ODM will contest four constituencies and 13 ward seats, focusing on areas where it retains strong historical support. Party chairperson Gladys Wanga said the by-elections would allow ODM to demonstrate its continued political relevance and recover ground in areas where its presence has declined.

The alliance is also viewed as a strategic move to limit the influence of rival parties such as Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party, and Eugene Wamalwa’s Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K). These groups plan to contest several seats and are positioning themselves as alternatives to the dominant political blocs.

In Mbeere North, where the seat was previously held by a Democratic Party MP, UDA has endorsed Leonard Njeru after persuading six other aspirants to step aside. The contest is expected to test Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s political strength in the region, particularly against the DCP.

The by-elections will also serve as an early test for the newly reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which faces scrutiny over its readiness and credibility.