NAIROBI, Kenya—Senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders have taken divergent positions over the party’s political cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration, exposing differences over power-sharing demands and the framework for possible coalition negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Deputy Party Leaders Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Nassir have called for clear guarantees, including a negotiated agreement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), while party leader Oburu Oginga has urged members to respect established party structures and allow ongoing processes to determine the terms of engagement.
Speaking during celebrations marking the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kisii Governor Arati insisted that ODM must establish clear conditions before committing itself to a political arrangement with UDA.
“As the ODM party cooperating with UDA, we must establish the conditions that will enable us to enter into government,” Arati said.
He dismissed criticism of the party’s demands, arguing that political cooperation should not require ODM to abandon its interests or enter an arrangement without clearly defined terms.
Arati also dismissed claims that ODM was losing its political influence following the departure of some members, insisting that the party remained united and continued to enjoy national support.
Mombasa Governor Nassir went further, declaring that ODM expected to secure the Deputy President’s position in any future political arrangement with UDA.
“Furthermore, we are declaring that the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya will come from ODM,” Nassir said.
He added that the party would field candidates across all elective positions, including Members of County Assembly, Members of Parliament, senators, governors and women representatives.
The declarations reinforce demands by sections of ODM for a substantial share of government in any possible post-2027 coalition arrangement, with party officials previously floating a 50-50 power-sharing formula.
However, Oburu struck a different tone, cautioning party members against making public declarations that could interfere with ongoing engagements with Ruto’s administration.
Addressing the gathering through a live link, the ODM leader maintained that the party had entered the broad-based government deliberately and was operating through established structures.
“We are in this broad-based government, and we did not go there blindly; we are there knowing what we are doing and working through established structures,” he said.
Oburu disclosed that the party had appointed a five-member technical team to work on its constitution and policies, with the process nearing completion.
He said a separate coalition negotiating team, comprising representatives appointed by himself and President Ruto, would be constituted before February 2027.
“Before February next year, we are going to have a coalition team appointed by my team and President Ruto’s team, which will be completely different from the technical team,” he said.
He urged party members to exercise discipline and follow the party’s direction as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
The ODM leader’s remarks follow his October 29 statement rejecting attempts by individuals outside the party to dictate whether it should sign a written agreement with UDA ahead of the next General Election.
In the statement, Oburu maintained that ODM had legitimate structures and experienced leadership capable of determining its negotiating position without external interference.
He also insisted that full implementation of the 10-point agenda agreed upon by President Ruto and the late Raila Odinga remained central to the party’s engagement with the government.
“Full implementation of the 10-point agenda, among other pressing national priorities, remains a fundamental, non-negotiable pillar of our engagement with UDA. Our commitment to this agenda is absolute,” he said.
The contrasting positions highlight the challenge facing ODM leadership as it seeks to balance demands for concrete political guarantees with the need to maintain party discipline and a unified negotiating position ahead of 2027.
