The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Nairobi Patron Irungu Nyakera, has cautioned against Kenyans letting political coalitions dictate the nation’s direction, a year and a few months into the next general election.

Taking to X on Saturday, January 17, 2026, Nyakera reacted to the demands fronted by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to be met by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) before the former political outfit supports President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.

Political coalitions

”Kenyans must stop letting political parties and their leaders decide the country’s direction on their behalf. Parties are only vehicles, and citizens must reclaim their power by demanding to be consulted and respected,” Nyakera argued.

He added that coalition talks should have a positive and direct impact on the lives of the common citizen.

”When voters remain passive, decisions shift to closed rooms where public interests are ignored. Coalition talks should be about jobs, cost of living, land, security, justice, and services, not about positions, egos, or personal survival of party honchos. Kenya’s democracy will only work when the people set the agenda and parties respond to it,” Nyakera added.

Nyakera’s remarks come shortly after Narok 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.

These unfold after ODM has 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.