Kenyan President William Ruto has called on supporters of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to put aside their differences and present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections. Ruto made the appeal at Mama Ngina Waterfront Grounds in Mombasa, where he presided over the issuance of title deeds to residents from five Mombasa settlement schemes. The event brought together a mixed crowd of orange and yellow-clad supporters, which Ruto framed as proof that the two political camps can coexist.
Ruto urged the crowd to resist internal squabbling, noting that the real competition comes from outside their ranks. He emphasized that ODM and UDA supporters are one people and should live and stand together. The president warned against those he described as without direction or policy alternatives, stating that they are the ones who attempt to compete against them. Ruto's remarks come against the backdrop of a significant political shift within ODM, which has confirmed it will not field its own presidential candidate in 2027.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga stated that the party will instead back Ruto's re-election bid, citing the decision as a strategic move to protect Nyanza's interests within the national government. The party's support will be conditional on structured coalition terms, including policy input and guaranteed government participation for party members. ODM chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga pointed to infrastructure gains in the region, such as ongoing road projects and the proposed Standard Gauge Railway extension to Kisumu, as reasons to maintain the alliance.
The collapse of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, which backed Raila Odinga's unsuccessful 2022 presidential bid, led to ODM's realignment. As coalition talks deepen, the question of Ruto's 2027 running mate is already generating friction. Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka, elected on an ODM ticket, is leading a campaign for Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to be named on the ballot as deputy presidential candidate.
Aseka argues that ODM's cooperation with Ruto deserves reward at the highest level, and Oparanya is cited as the preferred pick from Western Kenya. However, allies of incumbent Deputy President Kithure Kindiki are pushing back, insisting the position must remain within Mt Kenya East, where Kindiki originates. The debate over Ruto's running mate is expected to continue as coalition talks progress.
Ruto's unity message was well-received by the crowd in Mombasa, with many expressing support for the president's call for unity. The event was seen as a significant moment in Kenyan politics, as Ruto seeks to build a broad-based coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. The president's efforts to unite ODM and UDA supporters are seen as crucial in securing his re-election bid.
The implications of ODM's decision to back Ruto's re-election bid are significant, with many analysts predicting a major shift in the Kenyan political landscape. The move is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the country's politics, as Ruto seeks to consolidate his power and secure a second term as president. Key to his success will be his ability to unite the country's various political factions and build a strong coalition.
Key points
- ODM has confirmed it will not field a presidential candidate in 2027 and will instead back Ruto's re-election bid.
- Ruto has called on UDA and ODM supporters to put aside their differences and present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The debate over Ruto's 2027 running mate is generating friction, with some pushing for Wycliffe Oparanya and others insisting the position must remain within Mt Kenya East.
