Kenyan President William Ruto has urged supporters of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to put aside their rivalries as the two parties prepare for coalition talks ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking to a crowd of several thousand at Mama Ngina Waterfront Grounds in Mombasa, Ruto emphasized the need for unity and cooperation between the two parties. He highlighted the mixed presence of orange-clad ODM supporters and yellow-clad UDA followers as proof that the two camps can coexist.
The event also featured the distribution of title deeds to residents of five settlement schemes, a gesture Ruto linked to his call for political cohesion. The schemes, which include Dongo Kundu, Waitiki, Mwakirunge, Mikindani, and Mafisini, are part of the government's efforts to provide security of tenure to residents. Ruto warned that factional fighting would only aid opponents outside the alliance and emphasized the need for the two parties to work together.
Ruto's call for unity comes as the ODM has announced that it will not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 election. Instead, the party will back Ruto's re-election bid under negotiated terms. ODM leader Oburu Oginga stated that the party's support will be conditional on policy input and guaranteed government posts for its members. This decision is seen as a strategy to safeguard Nyanza's interests.
ODM chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga echoed Oginga's stance, pointing to ongoing road works and a proposed Standard Gauge Railway extension to Kisumu as reasons to stay allied with Ruto. Wanga emphasized the importance of the alliance in promoting development in the region. The ODM's decision to support Ruto's re-election bid has sparked debate within the party, with some members expressing concerns about the terms of the agreement.
Within the emerging coalition, the selection of a 2027 running mate is already contested. ODM MP Christopher Aseka is campaigning for Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to be named deputy president. However, supporters of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki argue that the deputy slot should remain with a candidate from the Mt Kenya East region, reflecting internal power balances.
Ruto's call for unity and cooperation between ODM and UDA supporters is seen as a crucial step towards building a strong coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. The president emphasized that the real contest lay beyond the coalition's own ranks, cautioning against groups lacking clear policy direction. He urged supporters of the two parties to focus on their shared goals and avoid internal disputes.
The coalition talks between ODM and UDA are expected to be crucial in shaping the 2027 election landscape. With ODM's support, Ruto's re-election bid is likely to gain momentum. However, the selection of a running mate and the terms of the coalition agreement remain key issues to be resolved. Key points:
Key points
- ODM will not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 election and will support Ruto's re-election bid under negotiated terms.
- The selection of a 2027 running mate is contested, with ODM MP Christopher Aseka campaigning for Wycliffe Oparanya and supporters of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki arguing for a candidate from the Mt Kenya East region.
- Ruto has urged ODM and UDA supporters to put aside their rivalries and work together ahead of the 2027 coalition talks.
