Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has said that the working relationship between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is not a short-term arrangement but one that could stretch beyond the 2027 elections.

Speaking during a political talk show aired by a local TV station on Thursday, September 25, 2025, Cherargei used vivid imagery to explain the ongoing talks, insisting that only those “in the kitchen” know the full depth of the discussions.

“We who are in the kitchen know that the working relationship between UDA and ODM will go beyond 2027. Mark my words, some of us who are in the kitchen know. The conversation that is in the kitchen is that our relationship between UDA, Kenya Kwanza and ODM will go beyond 2027, you can take it to the bank,” Cherargei said.

He suggested that the alliance talks are already advanced and that the possibility of ODM producing a deputy president candidate in the future is part of the ongoing debate.

Also watch: Anyang Nyong’o says ODM will have a presidential candidate in 2027.

Power-sharing negotiations

According to the senator, the partnership is about more than just the 2027 elections, as it also opens the door to negotiations on how positions in government will be shared between the two parties.

“We are having the conversation on whether the deputy president is going to be from ODM. We are still cooking,” Cherargei explained, adding, “ODM and UDA working together means there are a lot of positions to be shared. The positions are going to be negotiated,” he concluded

Cherargei’s remarks come amid heightened political debate over the unity between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga. The two have recently appeared side by side on several occasions, with their allies insisting that the political truce is about national interest, while critics argue it is about power realignment ahead of 2027.

Earlier, Raila stated that he has no regrets about joining Ruto to form the broad-based government.

By framing the talks as “cooking” in the political kitchen, Cherargei gave one of the clearest hints yet that the ruling coalition and ODM are considering a broader, long-term deal that could reshape Kenya’s political landscape.