ODM opens coalition talks with UDA ahead of 2027 polls

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has resolved to immediately begin structured pre-election negotiations with other political parties, starting with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), as the party sharpens its strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The decision was made during a day-long Central Management Committee (CMC) meeting held in Kilifi County and chaired by party leader Dr Oburu Oginga.

According to resolutions from the meeting, the party leadership has been mandated to spearhead the talks while simultaneously engaging ODM members through nationwide consultative forums. Any agreement reached through the negotiations will be subjected to ratification by the party’s National Delegates Convention.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr Oburu said the process would be guided strictly by party structures and internal democracy.

“The committee resolved to initiate structured negotiations with other political formations, beginning with the United Democratic Alliance,” Oburu said, adding that consultations with party members would proceed concurrently before a final decision is taken.

Following the Kilifi meeting, ODM Members of Parliament convened in Nairobi to endorse the resolutions and urged the party leadership to move swiftly while safeguarding the interests of ODM supporters.

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi said ODM lawmakers were united behind the decision to explore a pre-election pact.

“We want to say that we totally agree and support the resolution to begin negotiations with the UDA party for the sake of concluding a pre-election agreement for 2027,” Atandi said.

Other party leaders emphasized the need for unity and discipline as ODM charts its political direction.

Wajir South MP Adow Mohamed said any coalition agreement must reflect the wishes of the party’s grassroots supporters.

“What we are calling for is a resolution, a pre-election pact that respects the wishes of ODM supporters across the country,” Adow said.

However, the Kilifi meeting also highlighted internal tensions within the party following the absence of ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, a move that drew criticism from some leaders who called for adherence to party decisions.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma openly questioned the absence, urging party officials to respect resolutions made by party organs.

“We are the ones who put you there, and we expect you to follow the party line and respect the decisions made by the organs of the party,” Kaluma said.

Beyond coalition talks, ODM said it will activate its grassroots structures nationwide and begin identifying strong candidates for all elective seats in a bid to secure a majority in both Parliament and county assemblies in the 2027 polls.

The latest developments signal a significant shift in ODM’s political strategy as the party positions itself for the next general election.