President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga have moved to formalise their political partnership, unveiling two joint committees tasked with preparing a coalition framework and a common manifesto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
President William Ruto and ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga have announced the formation of two joint committees to formalise the emerging UDA-ODM political partnership ahead of the August 2027 General Election.
The announcement came on Monday after a two-day retreat in Naivasha attended by President Ruto, Mr Oginga, 312 Members of Parliament, 48 senators, 24 governors and 24 deputy governors.
One committee will prepare a joint manifesto, while the second will develop the coalition framework agreement, including governance structures and leadership arrangements.
President Ruto said the move would give the partnership a clear structure and direction as the two parties prepare to seek a fresh mandate from Kenyans.
“This formalises the political partnership we have built and gives it a clear mandate to consolidate the progress we have made, carry our reforms to completion and present to the people of Kenya a common programme for the next phase of our national transformation,” President Ruto said.
ODM, UDA name manifesto teams
ODM has nominated Isaac Wanuge, Maryam Abdullahi Mbaruk, Leonida Kerubo Omosa, Carrey Oregonian and Prof Bernard Muok to the Joint Manifesto Committee.
The ODM Executive Director will serve as an ex-officio member.
Kenya Kwanza, through UDA, has nominated Emmanuel Nzai, Dr Daniel Mwai, Bramwel Simiyu, Mohammed Hassan and Dr Cecilia Ng’etich.
The UDA Executive Director will also serve as an ex-officio member.
The committee will identify areas of common interest between the two political formations, harmonise areas requiring consensus and formulate policies addressing Kenya’s economic, social and governance priorities.
President Ruto said the manifesto would be informed by the aspirations of Kenyans captured through the National Conversation on Kenya Beyond Vision 2030 and the National Development Charter expected to emerge from the process.
“Their task is not simply to produce a political document. The manifesto will draw from our shared values and priorities,” he said.
Second team to work on coalition agreement
UDA and ODM will each nominate five members to a second joint committee that will prepare the coalition framework agreement.
The team will recommend the principles and governance structures that will guide the partnership and propose leadership arrangements ahead of the 2027 polls.
President Ruto directed the two teams to begin their work immediately.
“These are not merely internal processes between political parties. They are part of the work of building the partnership, developing the programme and preparing the leadership proposition upon which we shall seek your mandate in August 2027,” he said.
The President said the broad-based coalition would face voters in 2027 with what he described as a record of development and a progressive plan for the country.
“Three years ago, we asked you to trust our plan. Today, we return not merely with promises, but with proof,” he said.
Ruto promises peaceful 2027 election
President Ruto also assured Kenyans that the 2027 General Election would be peaceful and that all political formations would have an opportunity to present their policies to voters.
He praised MPs and senators supporting the broad-based government for backing legislation he said was necessary for the country despite political challenges.
“You have remained steadfast in ensuring that reform did not remain an idea but the law of our Republic. History will remember this Parliament as one that chose courage over convenience,” he said.
Oburu: ODM will not be swallowed
Mr Oginga, who is also the Siaya Senator, sought to reassure ODM supporters that the emerging partnership would not undermine the party.
He said the arrangement would be guided by the policies of both parties and would be founded on democratic principles and inclusivity.
Mr Oginga expressed confidence that the coalition would win the 2027 General Election by a landslide.
“There will be no shareholding,” he said, signalling what he described as an equal partnership between the two political formations.
The formation of the two committees marks a major step towards formalising the UDA-ODM partnership, setting the stage for negotiations on policy, governance and leadership as the country heads towards the 2027 election.
About The Author
