NAIROBI, Kenya – Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has hinted at the possibility of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party entering into a political deal with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ojienda was reacting to remarks by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who doubles up as the ODM secretary general, after stating that such thoughts are far-fetched.
“ODM will support President William Ruto for a second term, and I will tell you this, Edwin Sifuna: you will be advised by the party leadership,” Ojienda said when the two appeared on Citizen TV on the morning of Thursday, January 9, 2025.
The Kisumu senator, who has become a close ally of President Ruto, claimed that former prime minister Raila Odinga will also advise Sifuna about the new political pact.
“I am sure on February 28, 2025, Raila Odinga will become the African Union Commission (AUC) CEO,” said Ojienda.
Ojienda also claimed that he (Raila) would win the elections and move to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, leaving the two ODM legislators behind.
“I will remain here in Kenya with Sifuna as the SG, and he will be advised that as we move to 2027, we must support William Ruto for a second term. ODM will be a major player,” Ojienda further said.
What the new 2027 coalition agreement may entail
Senator Ojienda observed that the UDA-ODM 2027 coalition agreement may include the possibility of having a deputy president from the Orange Party.
“I think the coalition agreement may include the possibility of having a deputy president from ODM. I think we can share positions between ODM and UDA for 2027,” he added.
Asked about where the UDA-ODM coalition is likely to leave Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Ojienda said, “Of course, he is still squarely in government, and I think this will be a negotiation that will happen at a point because there are various issues to be considered.”
Senator Ojienda also claimed that the government is significant so that arrangements will be worked around.
“2027 is a different ball game; ODM-UDA will form a coalition and agree on a structure including a prime cabinet secretary and a chief cabinet secretary. The framework will ensure inclusivity,” said the Kisumu senator.
Ojienda also hinted at the possibility of Wiper leader Kalonzo joining the Kenya Kwanza government in the coming weeks.
How close allies of Raila Odinga joined the government
In late July 2024, National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed strongly defended the nomination of ODM leaders to various Cabinet positions, asserting that all Kenyans, regardless of political affiliation, have the right to serve in the government.
Mohamed’s comments were in response to criticism suggesting that President Ruto’s administration had co-opted the opposition party.
He emphasised that every citizen contributes to the nation’s welfare through taxes and, therefore, deserves equal opportunity to participate in governance.
“These are our taxes. Everyone in Kenya pays taxes and has a right to work in government. We want everyone to feel like a Kenyan. Those who don’t want to join the government should remain in politics and do it out here,” the legislator said.
The Suna East MP addressed concerns about the nominations of key ODM figures to Cabinet roles currently serving in government after being approved.
President Ruto nominated former ODM deputy party leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, chairman John Mbadi, and National Assembly minority leader Opiyo Wandayi for positions in the Mining, Cooperatives, National Treasury, and Energy ministries, respectively.
