HOMA BAY, Kenya — Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has laid down firm conditions ahead of proposed power-sharing talks between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), expressing confidence that the alliance would dominate the 2027 general election.
In a press conference on Sunday, February 1, 2026, Kaluma said the talks, if concluded as envisioned, would deliver an overwhelming victory for the two parties, locking out rival political formations.
The outspoken legislator said that ODM–UDA negotiations can only work if UDA agrees to zoning.
He also ruled out the inclusion of parties linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, including the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), insisting they would have no place in the proposed coalition.
“ODM and UDA are headed for a pre-election coalition agreement, without Gachagua and his associates. It will be a clean sweep in the 2027 elections — over 80 per cent of the national vote and more than 70 per cent of MPs,” Kaluma said.
Kaluma’s remarks come amid growing momentum around structured pre-coalition talks between ODM and UDA, following a resolution by ODM’s Central Management Committee (CMC) to allow the party leadership to formally engage President William Ruto’s outfit as part of early preparations for the 2027 polls.
The decision was reached during a CMC meeting chaired by ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga in mid-January.
Linda Ground Forums Shape ODM Position
Ahead of the talks, ODM rolled out nationwide grassroots consultations dubbed the Linda Ground Forums, with initial rallies held at Kibra and Kamukunji Grounds — sites historically associated with key political mobilisations by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The forums later expanded to Western, Nyanza and South Rift regions. ODM plans to convene a Special National Delegates Conference (NDC) after the consultations to debate the findings and formally adopt the party’s negotiating position.
UDA, on its part, has already initiated internal consultations. A recent National Governing Council (NGC) meeting held at State House and chaired by President Ruto endorsed the proposal and authorised the party leader to commence coalition negotiations with ODM and other interested parties.
Internal Wrangles Within ODM
However, the proposed ODM–UDA alliance has exposed deep divisions within ODM, with a faction of senior leaders openly opposing the talks.
The dissenting group, led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi and Siaya Governor James Orengo, has cautioned against what they term a rushed coalition process.
Osotsi has argued that ODM should first consolidate its ideological agenda anchored on the party’s 10-point plan popularised by Raila Odinga, rather than prioritising power-sharing arrangements.
Orengo has warned that the talks risk weakening ODM’s national appeal, cautioning that the party could be reduced to a regional outfit if it aligns too closely with UDA.
Despite the resistance, a rival faction led by Oburu Odinga and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has vowed to push forward with the talks, insisting that internal opposition will not derail the party’s strategic direction ahead of 2027.
