Ruto Tasked With Leading ODM
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has officially announced that President William Ruto will lead structured negotiations with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as we gear up for the 2027 general election.
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 14, the UDA highlighted that the National Executive Committee (NEC) recognized ODM’s effort to kickstart discussions aimed at bolstering the Kenya Kwanza Coalition before the elections.
“The NEC acknowledged the decision made by the ODM Party Central Management Committee to begin structured negotiations with the UDA Party, within the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, to enhance our political partnership and work towards a coalition agreement ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement noted.
The NEC further confirmed that Ruto has been given the responsibility to establish the framework for these discussions.
“The NEC mandated the UDA Party Leader to establish mechanisms for structured engagement with the ODM party to achieve the desired outcome,” the statement added.
The UDA has also pointed out the successes of their ongoing partnership with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which has set the stage for closer collaboration as the elections approach.
“The NEC talked about the current political alliance between the UDA party and the ODM party. This partnership has led to the adoption of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report of 2024, which has already been presented to both houses of parliament for the legislative processes to begin. It has also resulted in the formation of a broad-based administration that includes ODM members in various government roles, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on a 10-point agenda, and the creation of a bipartisan implementation committee. Additionally, there’s been an agreement for mutual support between UDA and ODM candidates, which helped both parties secure all contested Senate and National Assembly seats during the by-elections on November 27, 2025,” the statement continued.
This announcement comes just days after ODM revealed plans to initiate discussions with other political parties, starting with UDA, in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
On Monday, January 12, the Central Committee announced that they have tasked the Party Leader with steering the process forward.
They also mentioned that these discussions will take place alongside internal consultations with party members.
“The Committee meeting expressed a desire to kick off structured negotiations with various political groups, starting with the United Democratic Alliance. To facilitate this, we have given the Party Leader the green light to start this process. At the same time, consultations with Party members will continue, leading up to the National Delegates Convention,” the statement explained.
Additionally, the committee pointed out that the general election is set for next year and emphasized the need for immediate and organized efforts to ensure ODM is fully ready.
“The Central Committee acknowledged that general elections are on the horizon for next year and decided that the Party cannot afford to delay preparations.
“The Committee instructed that structured work should begin right away to position ODM not just to compete in next year’s elections, but to also form the next government. This includes developing policies, ensuring organizational readiness, building coalitions, and preparing candidates,” the statement concluded.
Ruto Tasked With Leading ODM
