MIGORI, Kenya — Kisii Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the broad-based government arrangement, saying ODM leaders will honour the position taken by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Arati made the remarks on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, while addressing residents in Awendo, Migori County, during President William Ruto’s tour of Nyanza.
The governor recalled Raila’s position on the political arrangement, saying the late ODM leader had urged the party to remain within the partnership.
“Sasa, kama wewe ulitushinda, Baba kabla hajalala akasema kwamba ‘mbaki katika broad-based’,” Arati said.
His remarks came during Ruto’s four-day development tour of Nyanza, which has included government project inspections and political engagements across Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori.
Arati Says ODM Will Honour Raila’s Position
Arati said ODM leaders would continue following what he described as Raila’s direction on the broad-based arrangement.
The comments reinforce Arati’s earlier public position that ODM would remain in the arrangement until 2027 while retaining its identity as an independent political party.
The ODM deputy leader has previously said the party’s participation in government does not mean it has joined the ruling UDA party or Kenya Kwanza coalition.
The arrangement remains a subject of political discussion within ODM as parties prepare for the 2027 General Election.
Arati Welcomes Ruto’s ODM Cap
Arati also welcomed Ruto’s decision to wear an ODM-branded cap, saying the gesture pleased members and supporters of the party.
“Mheshimiwa Rais, asante sana. Niliona jana umevalia kofia ya ODM. Sisi kama wana-ODM sasa tumefurahia,” he said.
The President has used his Nyanza tour to engage ODM leaders and residents while highlighting government projects in the region.
Ruto said at the start of the tour that his administration would continue working with ODM and that the two sides would negotiate their political partnership ahead of the 2027 election.
Arati Recalls 2022 Presidential Election
The Kisii governor also referred to the 2022 presidential election, in which Ruto defeated Raila.
“Sisi tunasema hivi: wewe ulitushinda kwa kura elfu mia mbili,” Arati said.
He contrasted the current political environment with the previous administration, referring to what he described as the financial and political support that was available at the time.
Arati did not, however, announce a new electoral arrangement or formal political pact beyond reaffirming ODM’s current cooperation with the government.
‘ODM Is the Party Here,’ Arati Tells Awendo Residents
Arati also sought to reaffirm ODM’s political presence in Awendo.
He asked residents whether they wanted to support another political party before declaring his continued support for ODM.
“Hapa Awendo kuna chama kingine tena mnataka tusimame nacho, kweli? Ni chama cha ODM,” he said.
His remarks come as political parties and movements position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with competing formations seeking support in Nyanza.
Ruto’s Nyanza Tour Draws Political Attention
Ruto’s four-day tour has combined development activities with political engagements in a region where ODM has historically enjoyed significant support.
The President has inspected and launched projects covering roads, water, housing, energy and other sectors during the tour.
The visit has also provided a platform for ODM leaders cooperating with the government to publicly discuss the broad-based arrangement.
Ruto has separately criticised emerging opposition formations during the tour and urged voters to consider established political parties and their development records.
ODM’s Position Ahead of 2027
Arati’s remarks reaffirm his stated position that ODM will remain within the broad-based government arrangement for the current political period.
At the same time, ODM leaders have previously said the party will retain its independent identity and continue engaging on issues of governance and accountability.
With the 2027 election approaching, ODM’s relationship with the government and its eventual electoral strategy remain subjects of political negotiations and public debate.
