KILIFI, Kenya- The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially authorised its Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga to spearhead structured negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as part of preparations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The mandate emerged from a Central Management Committee (CMC) meeting held in Kilifi County, where senior ODM officials reviewed the party’s strategic orientation and coalition options.
In a significant political development, the committee resolved to move beyond informal cooperation and begin deliberate dialogues with UDA, the ruling party led by President William Ruto, as part of possible pre-election arrangements.
Structured Talks With UDA
According to the post-meeting statement, the CMC resolved that Oburu should lead a negotiating team to engage UDA on substantive issues, including terms of collaboration and shared political objectives ahead of 2027.
The meeting underscored that this process would be formal and structured, rather than ad hoc.
While the committee signalled that discussions with UDA will take priority, party officials indicated that consultations with ODM members and grassroots structures will continue across the country.
These consultations are expected to inform the final party position, traditionally ratified at the National Delegates Convention.
Statement of the Central Management Committee of the party… #TukoTayari
Political Context and Party Unity
The decision to empower Oburu with negotiation leadership comes amid broader debates within ODM over its political direction following the death of former Party Leader Raila Odinga in October 2025.
Some senior figures have advocated for pragmatism and early coalition planning with UDA, while others, including ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, have raised concerns about formal alignment ahead of presidential elections.
Reports from the meeting noted that Sifuna and ODM Deputy Party Leader Geoffrey Osotsi were absent, with party leadership attributing their absence to logistical issues.
Despite these internal differences, the leadership emphasised unity and the need for a collective party strategy as the political calendar speeds up.
Ruto Readiness and Broader Negotiation Signals
President Ruto has publicly expressed readiness to engage with ODM ahead of the 2027 polls, highlighting the willingness of UDA to explore formal alliances with the party.
Ruto urged ODM to strengthen its structures and consider future collaboration as part of building a strong national coalition.
Meanwhile, party elders and other ODM leaders have reiterated that any coalition talks must reflect shared interests and negotiated terms that protect ODM’s political influence and priorities going into the next general election.
