NAIROBI, Kenya- As President William Ruto begins shaping his bid for re-election in 2027, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) appears increasingly assertive over its role in the national political landscape, insisting that its support for Ruto must be tied to meaningful negotiations on power and governance.
Key party figures, tapping into growing unease within ODM ranks, have openly called for formal power talks with Kenya’s head of state, stressing that the existing broad-based government arrangement does not adequately reflect the party’s political weight, especially in its strongholds.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed told journalists that ODM will not back Ruto’s re-election “without conditions,” urging the President to “put positions on the table.”
The Suna East Member of Parliament argued that, while the party remains within the broad-based government, the current distribution of appointments falls short of recognizing the party’s electoral strength and contribution to the coalition’s national reach.
“If they want our ODM votes, they should put positions on the table… Our votes are many. We lead in Nyanza, Coast, Nairobi, North Eastern and Western Kenya,” said Junet, referencing the party’s broad geographical appeal.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga says ODM must now negotiate to define its political direction and gains from any agreement. She adds that as part of a broad alliance, leaders next year need to sit down, clarify what ODM and UDA will receive, and agree on regional positions in
Similarly, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga have echoed demands for deeper consultations and clarity on how ODM’s participation in future governance would be structured, saying the existing arrangement lacks a clear roadmap for equitable power distribution.
The calls come against the backdrop of ODM’s involvement in President Ruto’s government, where a number of its members serve as Cabinet Secretaries — including Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Co-operatives), John Mbadi (Treasury) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy) — albeit with some internal disagreements over party endorsement of the appointments.
Yet even as ODM leaders push for negotiation, President Ruto has signalled a willingness to deepen ties with the party ahead of 2027, emphasising the need for a strong, organised ODM to enable meaningful coalition dialogue.
At the 5th Piny Luo Festival, Ruto reiterated that future cooperation will depend on both parties negotiating from a position of strength, while expressing his commitment to a broad-based government after next year’s polls.
ODM’s interim leader, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, has been central to managing this delicate balancing act.
While he maintains cordial personal relations with President Ruto, he has underlined that any formal alliance must recognise and reward ODM’s political capital.
Earlier in the year, discussions at party events echoed these sentiments, with Oburu suggesting strong demands including senior positions such as Deputy President should future negotiations bear fruit.
Analysts say the delicate negotiations underscore the broad-based government’s evolving nature, where power-sharing has shifted from being an emergency arrangement to a strategic consideration ahead of the next general election.
They note that internal dynamics within ODM — especially after the passing of its long-time leader Raila Odinga — have created a space for party voices to assert greater leverage in national politics.
President Ruto, however, is holding his cards close to his chest, keen not to reveal his hand too early as the 2027 race begins to crystallise.
Even as ODM leaders push for structured power talks, the President has avoided committing to specific positions or timelines.
At the heart of ODM’s demands is the powerful post of Deputy President, which the party views as a fair reflection of its political capital.
For now, Ruto appears content to let the pressure build, signalling that any deal will be struck strictly on his own terms.
