ODM Sets Firm Conditions for Coalition Talks with UDA Ahead of 2027 Polls

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has said any coalition talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) must include a guaranteed share of executive power and formal recognition of ODM’s political strength. Speaking in Kakamega County during a grassroots mobilisation drive, ODM leader Oburu Odinga said the party would not accept symbolic participation in government.

He maintained that ODM, which he described as the country’s largest political organisation, must secure fair and proportional representation in any future administration. He added that the current broad-based political arrangement was temporary and not a long-term settlement.

Oburu’s remarks signal a firmer negotiating position as parties begin preparing for the 2027 General Election. Both ODM and UDA have received approval from their management committees to explore coalition discussions.

However, ODM’s emphasis on power-sharing limits UDA’s ability to set the terms of engagement and underlines ODM’s intention to negotiate as an equal partner rather than a junior ally. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed echoed the position, saying the party’s role as an opposition force should come to an end.

He rejected the view that ODM should function primarily as a watchdog, stating that the party was established to win and exercise power. Junet also cautioned UDA against expanding its influence into ODM strongholds, reinforcing a warning previously issued by Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi.

ODM leaders have previously outlined the scale of their expectations in any alliance. In October 2025, Oburu said the party would not accept a coalition arrangement that did not include at least the position of deputy president.

Although specific offices have not been formally identified, the party has continued to stress the need for meaningful authority at the highest levels of government.

The position sets the stage for complex negotiations between the two parties. UDA will need to balance its own political interests with ODM’s demands for substantial representation.