Olekina certain Maa community backs ODM-UDA pre-election talks
By Joel Masibo, January 13, 2026Narok Senator Ledama Olekina is certain that the Maa Community will back the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) pre-election talks heading into the 2027 general polls.
Taking to X on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the lawmaker expressed confidence that based on their 1.4 million votes, the Maasai Community will buy the idea of the two dominant political outfits working together to form the next government after the current broad-based arrangement that will spur development.
”I am certain the Maa Nation backs the ODM-UDA pre-election coalition talks—with our 1.4M votes at the table, discussing, not being discussed,” Olekina said.
Maa community’s direction
The Senator argued that the ODM-UDA workmanship will directly impact the development agenda for the benefit of the Maa people, especially in transport infrastructure.
”We’ll drive Maasai priorities—Narok Airport, SGR extension to Narok Town, completion of bitumen roads to boost our livestock, agricultural, and tourism economy, plus establishment of Ilchamus Constituency—ensuring they are non-negotiable in the national agenda. Inshallah, together we transform Kenya!” Olekina explained.
Olekina’s remarks come shortly after ODM announced the start of formal negotiations with other political groups as it prepares for the 2027 general election. The decision was made by the party’s Central Committee during a meeting in Kilifi County on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The committee instructed ODM leader, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, to lead structured discussions, beginning with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Members of the party will also be consulted, with all talks aimed at shaping a National Delegates Convention. The party stressed that it must act swiftly to be ready for the upcoming elections.
“The committee meeting expressed the intention to initiate structured negotiations with different political formations, beginning with the United Democratic Alliance,” the Central Committee said in a statement.
The directive comes as ODM strengthens its preparations for next year’s vote, focusing on policy development, organisational readiness, coalition building, and candidate selection. The party intends not only to compete but to position itself to form the next government.
Adamant Orengo
However, Siaya Governor James Orengo, a veteran politician and a founding member of ODM since its formation in 2005, has opposed the party entering into a pre-election arrangement with President William Ruto’s UDA.
According to Orengo, ODM remains the most popular political party in Kenya. Therefore, if and when the party engages UDA, it must do so from a position of strength, as the senior partner, and that reality must be clearly acknowledged.