LUGARI, Kenya — National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed has openly demanded a larger share of government positions for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of any potential coalition with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the run-up to the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on December 21, 2025, during an ODM condolence visit at the home of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, Junet said ODM would not support President Ruto politically without clear commitments on power-sharing.
“If they want our ODM votes, they should put positions on the table and tell us the number of positions they are giving us,” Junet said, insisting that negotiations must be explicit and conditional.
The Suna East MP dismissed calls by some ODM members urging unconditional engagement with President Ruto, terming such an approach unacceptable. “There are some people saying that ODM should go to Ruto without conditions; that is a no,” he said.
Junet argued that despite ODM securing several Cabinet positions under the broad-based government arrangement and benefitting from development projects in ODM strongholds, the party deserved more.
He claimed ODM remains the country’s largest political party and would deliver significant votes, which he said justified demands for additional positions and accelerated development.
While reaffirming ODM’s commitment to the broad-based government, Junet ruled out aligning with the opposition, stressing that continued cooperation with Kenya Kwanza would depend on the President meeting ODM’s demands. “ODM will not work with tribalists, but if Kenya Kwanza wants us to collaborate, we must talk and come to terms,” he said.
His remarks follow similar demands by Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, who has called for more Cabinet slots and a stronger ODM presence in a future Ruto administration.
President Ruto, speaking recently at the fifth Piny Luo cultural festival, urged ODM to remain united as talks over a possible 2027 coalition continue.
ODM leaders are also pressing the President to fully implement the 10-point agenda agreed under the Memorandum of Understanding between ODM and UDA, which they say should form the basis of any future political arrangement.
