Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana has called on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to take the lead with the presidential candidate in the next general elections, with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) assuming the deputy position.

Her statement, posted on Monday, December 29, 2025, comes amid growing discussions about coalition arrangements ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kibwana argued that ODM deserves to produce the president if the arrangement materialises, for being a popular party. The nominated senator then indicated that UDA could fill the second-in-command position if they seal their deal ahead of the 2027 polls.

“ODM, as the most popular party, should lead with the presidential candidate, with UDA taking the deputy position,” Kibwana said.

Her comments follow recent calls within ODM for early coalition negotiations with UDA to secure a government formation ahead of 2027. Mombasa Governor and ODM deputy party leader Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir recently urged the party to formalise a pre-election coalition with President William Ruto’s UDA.

Speaking in Changamwe, Mombasa, on Sunday, December 28, 2025, Nassir said the current broad-based arrangement with UDA was unsatisfying and warned that delaying coalition talks could lock ODM out of government.

“We were left in the broad-based government by Raila. There is a need for us who are here now to prepare for 2027. We need to consider formalisation of a pre-election coalition with the United Democratic Alliance in good faith ahead of the 2027 elections,” Nassir said.

He emphasised that ODM had consistently participated in coalition agreements in previous elections and called on party leader Oburu Oginga to convene the central committee to guide preparations. Nassir added that the party’s constitution allowed the leader to engage with potential partners ahead of elections.

ODM debates coalition strategy

Nassir also rejected any coalition with the united opposition, citing differences in values and political approach. He said ODM should work with partners who demonstrated respect and tolerance rather than those who showed contempt and discrimination.

President Ruto has also urged ODM to prepare for a formal coalition to form a government capable of steering Kenya towards the first-world dream. UDA has expressed readiness to enter negotiations with ODM, signalling willingness to accept a deputy role if ODM leads the arrangement.

However, not all ODM leaders agree on the approach. ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and some other party members have indicated they could leave the party if it decides to support Ruto in 2027. In November 2025, party leader Oburu Oginga stated that ODM would not accept any position lower than deputy president in any coalition.

Speaking in Siaya County, Oburu Oginga confirmed that ODM had not yet decided on how it would engage UDA ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the party was currently focused on strengthening membership before entering negotiations.

Oburu encouraged party members to follow his leadership and support the broad-based arrangement, describing it as aligned with ODM’s values of service to the people.