President William Ruto has for the first time dropped a heavy hint that his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) could formalize a pre-election pact with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The President’s remarks, made during a strategic tour that has been closely watched by pundits, signal a potential death blow to the traditional “government versus opposition” divide by suggesting a long-term partnership with the party founded by his erstwhile rival, Raila Odinga.
Since the formation of the “Broad-Based Government” earlier this year, which saw several top ODM luminaries join the Cabinet – the question on everyone’s lips has been whether this was a temporary marriage of convenience or a permanent union. Ruto’s latest sentiments suggest the latter.
Addressing a gathering on Sunday, the President emphasized the need for national unity and a “cohesive political front” to drive the country’s development agenda.
“We have seen the fruits of working together. If we can work together to stabilize the country now, what stops us from planning the future of this nation together?” Ruto posed, a statement widely interpreted as an open invitation for a formal 2027 coalition.
ODM’s Price Tag: The 10-Point Deal
The hint from State House comes at a time when the ODM leadership has been increasingly vocal about their terms for engagement.
Just days ago, top party officials, including National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, signaled that the current “arrangement” needs a refresh to reflect ODM’s true weight.
Key to any future pact is the full implementation of the “10-point agenda” signed between Ruto and Raila Odinga. This deal, which includes constitutional tweaks and governance reforms, is seen by the ODM rank and file as the mandatory “dowry” before any 2027 “wedding” can take place.
While some ODM hardliners, like Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, have remained skeptical of the UDA embrace, the momentum within the party’s top brass seems to be shifting toward a structured partnership that could see the two political titans run on a joint ticket – or at least a non-compete agreement – in the next polls.
Ruto’s pivot toward ODM is an act of political survival. With cracks appearing in his traditional Mt. Kenya backyard, the President is clearly looking to secure his “basket of hope” in Nyanza, Western, and the Coast – regions traditionally loyal to Raila Odinga.
However, this potential pact is a double-edged sword. It threatens to alienate his original allies in the Kenya Kwanza coalition who feel squeezed out by the newcomers. On the other side, it leaves the remaining opposition figures, like Kalonzo Musyoka, facing a uphill task of building a viable third force against a Ruto-ODM behemoth.
