Migori senator: ODM-UDA alliance could complicate key tickets in 2027
By Faith Lagat, September 8, 2025Migori senator Eddy Oketch has cautioned that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) alliance may face major hurdles in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
He warned that the coalition’s approach to distributing governorship and senate tickets could trigger conflict, particularly in cosmopolitan counties like Nairobi, where aspirants from the same communities are expected to compete for top seats.
Ticketing tensions
Speaking during a television interview on September 8, 2025, Oketch argued that if ODM and UDA stick to a joint political front, they risk alienating candidates who belong to similar ethnic or regional blocs.
He said this could complicate the allocation of governor and senator positions in counties where competition is already tight.
“Should ODM choose to stick together with UDA, in a formation in 2027, it will be difficult for one ticket to give members of the same or similar communities a ticket in the governor and in the senate,” he stated.
The senator’s warning comes against the backdrop of increasing speculation over ticket negotiations within the ODM-UDA pact, formalised in March 2025 through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Internal ODM friction
Oketch also aimed at ODM leaders who have voiced discomfort with the alliance. He emphasised the need to build stronger institutions within the party rather than relying on external formations.
“Babu, Sifuna are all within my political party. What is wrong with building a stronger institution within ODM? Why must it happen outside?” he posed.
His remarks appeared directed at Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, both of whom have expressed frustrations over ODM’s internal politics.
Oketch linked their actions to what he termed the “Sakaja effect,” pointing to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s influence over Raila Odinga’s endorsement decisions.
The Sakaja effect
Babu Owino has publicly admitted he is unlikely to secure ODM’s gubernatorial ticket for Nairobi, citing Raila’s open support for Governor Sakaja.
During a recent television interview, Owino claimed this was fueling his consideration of alternative political paths, including a possible alignment with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, he has also said that the embattled Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja deserves impeachment.
Sifuna, meanwhile, skipped a recent joint ODM-UDA parliamentary meeting, signalling unease with the alliance.
In contrast, Homa Bay MP George Kaluma has defended the partnership, celebrating victories in recent by-elections and framing the coalition as a broad-based government project..