Mbadi backs ODM-UDA unity deal as catalyst for economic revitalisation
By Faith Lagat, July 29, 2025In a significant political realignment, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has backed the unity pact between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The endorsement by the long-serving ODM stalwart follows Tuesday’s ODM Central Committee meeting chaired by Party Leader Raila Odinga. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a broad-based government through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UDA.
Mbadi, in a post on X, dated July 29, 2025, captured the spirit of the moment: “One invincible Kenya, a prerequisite catalyst for the country’s economic revitalisation. @TheODMparty & @UDAKenya unity of purpose under the stewardship of President @WilliamsRuto and Prime Minister Rt. Hon. @RailaOdinga. May God bless Kenya.”
His remarks signal growing support for a united political front aimed at addressing Kenya’s economic woes and deepening democratic governance.
10-point agenda
The Central Committee, in a statement released after the meeting, stated that it had convened to assess the state of the nation and track the implementation of the MoU. The party resolved to fully support Odinga’s collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza administration, focusing on stabilising the country and fostering democratic space.
Among the key provisions of the MoU is a 10-point agenda designed to drive policy reform and national cohesion. To fast-track implementation, ODM announced the formation of a technical team that will work jointly with UDA counterparts.
“That in order to expedite the implementation of the 10-point agenda of the MoU, ODM will constitute a technical team to work with UDA counterparts as part of the political infrastructure,” read part of the committee’s statement. The party cited the absence of such a team as a key delay in rolling out agreed reforms.
Top priorities under the agenda include full implementation of the NADCO report, the protection of youth livelihoods, the right to peaceful protest, enhanced funding for counties, and the fight against corruption.
County funding and governance
ODM also reiterated its demand for greater resource allocation to devolved units, proposing an increase in county funding from the current Ksh 415 billion to Ksh 450 billion. The party emphasised the importance of equitable distribution to spur development and ease pressure on overstretched county services.
While the ODM-UDA deal builds on the political pragmatism seen in Kenya’s 2008 coalition government, party leaders acknowledged that internal discussions remain ongoing. However, they expressed confidence in the current path, describing it as an “unbreakable unity of purpose” aimed at delivering for all Kenyans.
As the country charts its economic recovery path,all eyes will now be on the proposed technical team and its ability to deliver results from this historic political truce.