NAIROBI, Kenya — Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has cautioned the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) against rushing into coalition talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), warning that the move could expose the opposition party to political manipulation ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking on Thursday, January 15, Maanzo urged ODM to safeguard its political identity and core principles as discussions with President William Ruto’s party gather momentum.
“ODM must be careful not to be swallowed, bought, or misused,” Maanzo said. “A lot of Kenyans still see ODM as a key vehicle for justice in this country.”
The senator argued that shifting political dynamics have weakened UDA’s dominance, making ODM vulnerable if negotiations are not handled cautiously.
“Once DCP defected from UDA, UDA became the smallest party in the country. That is why ODM needs to be very careful,” he added.
Maanzo’s remarks come barely a day after UDA formally confirmed that President Ruto has been mandated to spearhead structured negotiations with ODM ahead of the 2027 polls.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 14, UDA said its National Executive Committee (NEC) had acknowledged ODM’s initiative to formalize talks aimed at strengthening the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“The NEC noted the decision of the ODM Party Central Management Committee to initiate structured negotiations with the UDA Party, in the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, to strengthen the ongoing political partnership and negotiate a coalition agreement ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement said.
The NEC further resolved to task President Ruto, who is also the UDA party leader, with establishing the framework for the engagement.
“The NEC mandated the UDA Party Leader to establish mechanisms for structured engagement with the ODM party to achieve the desired outcome,” UDA said.
The ruling party cited several outcomes of the existing cooperation between UDA and ODM, including the adoption of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report of 2024, the formation of a broad-based government, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on a 10-point reform agenda.
UDA also pointed to joint electoral success, noting that reciprocal support between the two parties led to victories in all Senate and National Assembly seats contested during the November 27, 2025 by-elections.
ODM, for its part, announced earlier this week that it plans to open talks with other political parties, starting with UDA, as it positions itself for the 2027 elections.
In a statement dated January 12, the ODM Central Committee announced that it had mandated the party leader to lead the negotiation process, pending internal consultations with members.
“The Committee expressed the intention to initiate structured negotiations with different political formations, beginning with the United Democratic Alliance,” the statement said.
“Concurrent consultations with party members will proceed, culminating in the National Delegates Convention.”
