ODM-UDA Moves to Finalise Joint Manifesto Ahead of 2027 Elections

ODM and UDA have separated their technical policy work from high-level political bargaining as their joint manifesto committee races to finish a shared blueprint for the 2027 General Election.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir confirmed the division of labour following consultations with the joint drafting team in Mombasa. He said that a separate team will handle the pre-election coalition agreement under the direct guidance of party leaders, leaving the committee to focus purely on policy development.

The technical committee, led by Engineer Carey Orege representing ODM and Dr Emmanuel Nzai for UDA, is tasked strictly with outlining the broad-based government's development agenda. Nassir noted that drafting the document requires minimal friction because both political parties already share priorities in critical sectors.

The aligned areas include affordable housing, remunerating Community Health Promoters, special economic zones, and social protection schemes. Nassir described the work as straightforward alignment rather than heavy revision, noting that both factions share similar aspirations.

With just ten months remaining before the polls, the team is working against a strict deadline to complete the policy document by February next year. Consultations are scheduled to expand rapidly to include other deputy party leaders, secretaries-general, governors, and Members of Parliament.

Nassir confirmed that meetings are next lined up with fellow ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati to ensure regional and party priorities are fully consolidated. He reaffirmed ODM's backing for President William Ruto's re-election under the broad-based political arrangement, insisting the final document must reflect public aspirations rather than just political compromises.