Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma has said the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) should secure more than half of the government positions if it enters into a coalition agreement.

Speaking during an interview on a local station on Monday, March 16, 2026, Kaluma argued that they will secure a dominant stake in their partnership with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

He insisted ODM deserves a larger share of government due to its political strength and national support base.

“The coalition should be a 50/50; in fact, our position is that we should get more than 50 percent because we have a bigger block if we Linda our ground well,” Kaluma said.

Kenya’s constitution allows for a maximum of 22 cabinet secretaries. Kaluma said the ODM party should get at least 15 cabinet secretary positions.

“If we were to go with our demographics, we should actually have more than 15 cabinet secretaries, and we have no problem with that if it is based on true national demographics and the weight of the nation,” Kaluma said.

ODM presidential candidate

According to Oburu Odinga, ODM’s constitution is clear as far as fielding a presidential candidate is concerned.

“We will present a presidential candidate, and our constitution is clear on who the presidential candidate is, even before nominations. We will have a presidential candidate, as Raila said,” Kaluma said, referring to party leader Oburu Odinga.

Kaluma’s remarks come as UDA and ODM reportedly prepares toward formal pre-election negotiations, signaling a shift in Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the next General Election.

The talks are expected to explore possible areas of cooperation, coalition arrangements, and strategies that could redefine alliances in the coming political cycle.

Pre-election deal

The lawmaker noted that such negotiations typically follow a standard hierarchy: each party first consolidates behind its own presidential contender before entering the boardroom to negotiate a joint ticket.

“When parties are negotiating a pre-election deal, each outfit first nominates its own presidential candidates,” Kaluma said.

“Then you go for negotiations and settle on the candidate for the coalition. “So when you go to negotiations and agree on a candidate, even if he is not from ODM, then he becomes our presidential candidate,” Kaluma explained.