President William Ruto hosted top Orange Democratic Movement leaders at his private home in Kilgoris, Narok County, on December 28, 2025. The meeting focused on the possibility of a formal pre-election coalition between UDA and ODM ahead of the 2027 general election.
Guests included ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, party chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir, and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.
They had lunch before Ruto headed to Migori for another event. Sources say they agreed to set up teams that will start drafting a coalition agreement in early 2026.
This comes as some ODM figures push for closer ties with the government. Nassir spoke out the next day, calling for a central committee meeting in January to discuss and possibly approve the idea. He said politics means making practical choices and that ODM should not stay in opposition forever.
Ruto has hinted several times lately that he wants ODM to stay strong so the two parties can work together on forming the next government. He made similar comments in Migori and other places in December.
Not everyone in ODM agrees. Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and some younger leaders like Embakasi East MP Babu Owino prefer keeping the party’s independence.
They say the current broad-based arrangement with Kenya Kwanza ends in 2027, and ODM could run its own candidate after that.
The party has split views since the death of Raila Odinga in October 2025. One side enjoys cabinet posts and wants to secure more, like the deputy president slot or key ministries. The other side sees a full coalition as giving up ODM’s opposition roots.
Pro-coalition leaders argue it would give ODM real power and help deliver on issues like the 10-point agenda from earlier talks. Critics worry it could weaken the party long-term or anger grassroots supporters.
No final deal exists yet. Any agreement would need approval from ODM organs and likely UDA too. Talks seem set to continue into the new year.
This could change Kenya’s political map for 2027. Ruto looks to lock in support from ODM strongholds like Nyanza, Coast, and Western. For ODM, it offers a share in government but risks internal fights.
People across the country watch closely. Many want stability, but others prefer clear choices at the ballot.
