NAIROBI, Kenya- The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has demanded an equal 50-50 sharing of government positions with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), escalating negotiations over the political partnership ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The demand includes the Deputy President position, which ODM leaders have reportedly identified as a key condition for supporting Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027. The party is also seeking half of the available government positions under the proposed political arrangement.
The latest demands come as Ruto and ODM leadership move to formalise their political cooperation ahead of the 2027 polls. The President and ODM leader Oburu Oginga recently agreed to establish teams to work on a coalition framework, including governance structures and leadership arrangements.
The proposed power-sharing arrangement has generated unease within sections of the government side, with the latest reports indicating that ODM is pushing for a substantial share of State appointments.
According to reports, ODM’s position is that its contribution to the broad-based government should be reflected in the distribution of senior government positions.
The negotiations come as both UDA and ODM increasingly focus on the 2027 presidential contest. Ruto has confirmed plans to formalise the coalition framework, while the two sides are expected to continue discussions on how the proposed partnership would operate.
The demand for a 50-50 arrangement would represent a significant expansion of ODM’s role in government if accepted, potentially reshaping the distribution of Cabinet and other senior State positions.
The political negotiations are unfolding exactly one year before the August 10, 2027 General Election, with the emerging UDA-ODM partnership expected to be a major factor in the presidential contest.
