NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has hosted Nairobi leaders and delegates from the United Democratic Alliance and Orange Democratic Movement at State House, Nairobi, in a meeting that placed development and political unity at the centre of preparations for the 2027 General Election.
President Ruto said the UDA and ODM leaders had agreed to speed up major projects aimed at improving life in the capital, including affordable housing, modern markets, roads, drainage, water, sanitation and waste management.
But the gathering also carried a clear political message, with President Ruto saying the two parties would use their structures to strengthen unity in Nairobi ahead of next year’s election.
Development agenda for Nairobi
President Ruto said the government wants to turn Nairobi into a modern, vibrant and prosperous city that can deliver quality services, attract investment and create opportunities for residents.
He said road projects would help ease traffic congestion, while drainage works were expected to address flooding in several parts of the city.
The President also listed affordable housing, water and sanitation services, modern markets and waste management among the areas identified for faster implementation.
“Our discussions centred on our shared vision to transform Nairobi into a modern, vibrant and prosperous city,” President Ruto said after the meeting.
The engagement brought together party leaders and delegates from UDA and ODM, who have been working together under the broad-based government arrangement.
UDA-ODM cooperation takes centre stage
Although the meeting was largely presented as a development forum, President Ruto’s call for UDA and ODM to mobilise together gives it a strong 2027 political angle.
The President said the two parties would use their grassroots networks to promote unity in Nairobi, a county that remains a major political battleground because of its large and diverse voting population.
The broad-based arrangement between UDA and ODM began after President Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga signed a cooperation agreement in March 2025.
The deal opened the door for joint engagement on national issues, although the two parties have not announced a formal coalition or a joint ticket for the 2027 election.
Friday’s State House meeting nevertheless suggests that President Ruto is keen to deepen the relationship, especially in Nairobi, where ODM has traditionally enjoyed strong support.
Senior ODM leaders, including National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed, attended the meeting alongside UDA leaders and delegates.
Sifuna factor
The push to bring UDA and ODM closer comes as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna builds his own political vehicle under the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Sifuna, a former ODM Secretary-General, has positioned himself as a presidential aspirant and is expected to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 election.
His movement is now moving to formalise its structures after delegates approved The Equitable Party’s transition to the Linda Mwananchi Movement and gave the green light for coalition talks with like-minded parties.
Sifuna’s departure from ODM has created a new layer in the political contest, particularly in Nairobi, where he remains a prominent political figure.
While ODM leaders allied to the broad-based arrangement are expected to sell the government’s development agenda, Sifuna and his allies are likely to campaign as part of the opposition against President Ruto’s re-election bid.
For President Ruto, the task will be to turn the UDA-ODM cooperation into support at the grassroots without triggering deeper divisions inside ODM or the wider opposition.
The Nairobi meeting is therefore likely to be followed by more joint engagements as both parties seek to test whether their working relationship can carry political weight in 2027.
