UDA approves start of negotiations with ODM ahead of 2027 polls
By Luke Oluoch, January 14, 2026President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has approved the proposed plans to initiate negotiations with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), paving the way for an imminent pre-2027 coalition talks deal between the two.
The National Executive Committee, in a statement dated Wednesday, January 14, 2026, following a meeting presided over by President William Ruto, advised the party leadership to establish mechanisms for the said structured engagement to achieve the desired outcome.
Establish mechanisms
“The NEC noted the decision of the ODM Party Central Management Committee to initiate structured negotiations with the UDA Party, in the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, to strengthen the ongoing political partnership and negotiate a coalition agreement ahead of the 2027 general elections and MANDATED the UDA Party Leader to establish mechanisms for structured engagement with the ODM party to achieve the desired outcome,” part of the statement read.
Progress on 10-point agenda
UDA also discussed the progress made since the inception of the broad-based pact signed between Ruto and the late ODM leader Raila Odinga in March 2025.
The party reviewed the items that formed the basis of the engagements, detailing the progress thereof.
“The NEC discussed the ongoing political partnership between the UDA party and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, which partnership has resulted in;
a. The adoption of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report of 2024, which report has already been tabled in the two houses of parliament for implementation of the legislative aspects.
b. The establishment of the broad-based administration, which has incorporated members of the ODM party into various responsibilities in government.
c. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the 10- point agenda and the subsequent establishment of a bipartisan implementation committee thereof.
d. The consensus for mutual and reciprocal support for UDA and ODM candidates, respectively, which consensus resulted in the two parties,” part of the statement read.
The ruling party endorsement follows after the governors from the western region of Kenya also threw their weight behind the proposal, describing it as crucial to continue the development goals of the region.
Led by Fernandes Barasa of Kakamega and his Bungoma counterpart, Ken Lusaka, the governors similarly affirmed their allegiance and support for Ruto’s reelection bid.