UDA okays Ruto - ODM coalition talks ahead of 2027

By Newsflash Correspondent

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has authorised President William Ruto, who doubles as the party leader, to commence structured talks with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) aimed at formalising a coalition pact ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The resolution was reached during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened on Wednesday, January 13, where members were also updated on the outcome of the party’s recently concluded grassroots elections held across 20 counties on January 10.

Announcing the decision, President Ruto said the party had resolved to put in place formal channels for engagement with ODM to consolidate cooperation and provide a clear framework for collaboration.

“We are establishing mechanisms for structured engagement with the ODM Party to deepen political cooperation, build consensus on shared priorities, and provide a clear framework for dialogue, coordination, and partnership,” Ruto said.

He added that the broader aim of the talks is to reinforce the existing political partnership, ensure stability in governance, and set the stage for a formal coalition arrangement ahead of the 2027 polls.

ODM signals willingness to engage

The UDA decision comes barely three days after ODM revealed plans to initiate structured negotiations with other political parties, including UDA, as it positions itself ahead of the next general election.

ODM’s move followed a Central Committee meeting held on Monday, January 12, in Kilifi County, where party leaders reviewed the party’s political standing, organisational strength, and long-term strategic direction.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Oburu Oginga, speaking on behalf of the Central Committee, said ODM had resolved to actively pursue pre-election alliances as part of a wider strategy to enhance its national presence and influence.

Existing cooperation and grassroots elections

On the status of the current political partnership, the UDA NEC noted that both UDA and ODM have been working together under the Kenya Kwanza framework. This cooperation has included the adoption of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) 10-point agenda report of 2024 and the inclusion of ODM members in various government roles.

The two parties have also coordinated support for each other’s candidates, a strategy that contributed to the coalition winning all Senate and National Assembly seats contested during the November 27, 2025, by-elections.

With ODM now formally seeking structured engagement, the NEC mandated President Ruto to spearhead the process by establishing the necessary mechanisms to deepen cooperation and deliver a formal coalition agreement ahead of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, the NEC received detailed reports from the National Elections Board (NEB) and the Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee (ENDRC) on the just-concluded grassroots polls. According to the reports, 492,439 candidates vied for 231,770 positions across 17,953 polling centres, with approximately 2.4 million party members taking part.

The outcomes showed that 56 per cent of those elected were men, 44 per cent women, and 33 per cent youth, figures the party said demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity at the grassroots.

The NEC further directed the NEB to conduct repeat elections within 30 days in centres where polls were incomplete or recorded low turnout, after which ward-level elections will be rolled out nationwide. A comprehensive calendar will also be prepared to guide member sensitisation and the registration of aspirants.