Tom Ojienda: UDA-ODM coalition guarantees Ruto second term
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 15, 2026Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has said a pre-election coalition between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will guarantee President William Ruto a second term in office.
Speaking on a morning show with a local TV station on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Ojienda said the partnership of the two largest parties in the country would be decisive.
“Clearly, I think initially, the UDA-ODM pre-election coalition is an important one. These are the two biggest parties in the country,” he said.
Ojienda stressed that a coalition between UDA and ODM would effectively secure victory in the 2027 general election.
“And I can assure you, once the two major parties have a pre-election coalition, the election is won. The election is won. And we are doing it. We shall have it. And the elections will be won, and William Ruto will get a second term. That is not in doubt,” he added.
The interview comes as political discussions on alliances intensify ahead of the 2027 polls. Ojienda addressed recent meetings and consultations within ODM, particularly those led by party leader Oburu Odinga in Kilifi and other regions. He dismissed claims of division in the party, noting the absence of ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna from some gatherings.
Ojienda defends ODM unity
Ojienda described Sifuna as a great friend and very objective ordinarily. He said Sifuna’s absence did not indicate any rift.
“Whether or not Sifuna attends, whether he attended Kilifi or not, is only something that would be known to the party leader. I’m sure he must have spoken to the party leader and explained why he was not in Kilifi and why he did not come to yesterday’s meeting,” he said.
He praised Oburu Odinga for holding ODM together.
“I can tell you, without an iota of doubt, that Sen. Oburu will and continues to hold the party together. He knows how to engage every member on every issue. He understands this country. He understands the party, and he understands the needs of ODM. And he is the correct leader. I’ll tell you, to unite ODM and deal with all these issues,” Ojienda said.
On coalition details, Ojienda said negotiations would address the deputy presidential slot and involve other parties to consolidate regional support.
“Part of the coalition, the argumentation of the pre-election coalition on the question of whether a deputy president must come from ODM and/or UDA… are questions that will be dealt with in the coalition agreement,” he said.
He added that the deal must include parties like Ford Kenya to secure votes in Western Kenya, Narok, and the coast.
Ojienda dismissed criticism from smaller parties, urging Kenyans not to pay attention to voices that might create division.