ODM pushes for 50–50 power?sharing deal with UDA ahead of 2027 elections

The Orange Democratic Movement has escalated its demands in ongoing pre?election coalition talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance, insisting on an equal 50–50 power?sharing arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking during a rally in Dandora, Embakasi North Constituency, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga said the party will not accept any coalition agreement that offers less than an equal stake in government. She emphasized that ODM’s engagement with UDA is conditional and rooted in parity within the proposed alliance. Wanga also announced that ODM will field candidates for all elective positions in Nairobi County—including the governorship—as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s influence in the capital. She added that decisions regarding the presidency would only be made after the conclusion of coalition negotiations. Beyond power?sharing, ODM is demanding full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee report, which the party considers a key pillar of the bipartisan agenda agreed upon by President Ruto and the late ODM leader Raila Odinga. Wanga further called for compensation for families of individuals killed during recent protests, saying justice for victims remains central to the party’s position. Earlier, during a church service at St Peter’s Enocha Legio Maria Mission in Dandora, ODM leaders reiterated that the party would contest all seats in Nairobi—from Member of County Assembly to Governor—as part of its 2027 strategy. However, internal divisions have emerged within ODM over the timing and nature of the coalition talks. Speaking in Got Kabindi, Masana, South Maragoli in Vihiga County, ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi dismissed the negotiations as premature, warning that the party risks being politically disadvantaged. He argued that with the election still more than a year away, ODM could be shortchanged if it commits too early, noting that shifting political alliances could undermine the party’s interests. Osotsi insisted that ODM must field its own presidential candidate in 2027, maintaining that the party should not forfeit the top seat as part of any coalition arrangement. On January 14, the United Democratic Alliance National Executive Committee formally authorized President Ruto to initiate structured coalition negotiations with ODM ahead of the 2027 polls. The move signaled UDA’s intention to formalize and strengthen the growing political partnership between the two parties, even as debate continues within ODM over whether to support Ruto’s re?election bid. In a communiqué issued after the NEC meeting chaired by President Ruto, UDA acknowledged ODM’s decision to pursue formal talks within the Kenya Kwanza Coalition framework and confirmed the initiation of structured negotiations aimed at shaping a potential coalition agreement for the 2027 General Election.