NAIROBI, Kenya- The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has said its support for President William Ruto is based on respect, inclusion and a commitment to distribute national resources fairly across Kenya’s regions.
In a statement following Saturday’s rally in Eldoret, the party said every region should be treated equally and benefit from national development. It linked its backing of Ruto and the broad-based coalition to its “Usawa ni Sawa” message.
“The ODM believes in the spirit of equity and equitable distribution of resources for everyone to feel part of the sharing of the national cake,” the party said. “The Usawa ni Sawa approach carries the ideology of our party.”
The statement described the Eldoret gathering as “a show of unity” between ODM and its UDA partners.
The party was represented by Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Director of Elections Junet Mohamed, and Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho and Opiyo Wandayi, among other leaders and legislators.
The rally drew thousands of residents as Ruto concluded the seventh day of his North Rift tour.
The President has used the tour to highlight government projects in housing, roads, markets, education and healthcare as he positions himself for the 2027 General Election.
The ODM leaders’ attendance also came with an explicit election message.
Junet said the party’s leaders had joined Ruto at the direction of ODM leader Oburu Oginga to mobilise support for the President’s re-election bid in the Rift Valley.
Wanga said the next election would test support for “unity, equity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for every Kenyan” under the broad-based coalition.
The party’s endorsement gives Ruto a prominent show of support from senior ODM figures in Eldoret, a city traditionally associated with his political base.
It also presents “Usawa ni Sawa” as a shared political message.
Ruto has promoted the slogan in his 2027 campaign, while ODM says it reflects the party’s own commitment to equity and fair resource allocation.
The show of unity comes as ODM continues to debate its political direction following the death of its longtime leader, Raila Odinga, and its relationship with the Ruto administration.
Junet said the leaders’ participation in the North Rift tour followed Oburu’s direction, linking the party’s cooperation with Ruto to its plan to mobilise supporters ahead of the next election.
