Mombasa

Ruto Renews Push for Electoral Alliance With ODM Ahead of 2027 Polls

MIGORI — President William Ruto has reiterated his commitment to forging a political partnership with the Orange Democratic Movement as the country approaches the next electoral cycle, making his most explicit overture yet toward the opposition party.

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During an address on Wednesday at the 5th Piny Luo Festival, the President publicly stated his readiness to negotiate a coalition arrangement with ODM for the formation of the next government following the 2027 general elections.

Conditions for Coalition Talks

While expressing enthusiasm for collaboration, Ruto outlined specific expectations for ODM’s internal preparations. The Head of State emphasized that the party must first consolidate its ranks and demonstrate organizational strength before formal negotiations can yield meaningful results.

The President cautioned that internal discord within ODM could undermine its position in future discussions, urging party leadership to prioritize cohesion and strategic planning.

“My call to ODM is to organize yourselves and maintain your strength. We need a robust ODM partner so we can jointly chart Kenya’s path forward,” the President stated during his remarks.

He elaborated on his vision for inter-party dynamics, suggesting that mutual strength would benefit both formations. “When you build ODM’s capacity, I will simultaneously strengthen UDA, allowing us to meet as equals and structure a government through mutual consensus,” Ruto added.

Reflections on Political Mentorship

The President devoted part of his speech to acknowledging his political roots within ODM, specifically crediting the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with shaping his political trajectory.

Ruto described how Odinga’s mentorship proved instrumental in his development as a national leader, ultimately contributing to his ascension to the presidency. The Head of State characterized himself as a successful product of Odinga’s political tutelage.

“My ODM membership became a stepping stone that Providence used to elevate me, bringing me back to engage with ODM from a different position. Raila served as our political instructor, and I proved to be his most dedicated pupil. His influence on my journey to State House cannot be overstated,” the President recounted.

Shifting Political Alignments

Recent months have witnessed a notable recalibration in Ruto’s approach to ODM, particularly following Odinga’s passing. The President has increasingly positioned himself as a custodian of the late leader’s political heritage, frequently commenting on the party’s direction.

Last month during ODM’s anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, Ruto commended the party’s institutional resilience, observing that it has maintained its relevance and strength despite losing its founding figure.

Speaking at the November 16 founders’ dinner, the President highlighted ODM’s evolution beyond personality-driven politics, noting its transcendence of ethnic and regional divisions as evidence of maturity.

Ruto emphasized that robust national political parties form the cornerstone of democratic governance, suggesting that ODM’s continued viability serves Kenya’s broader democratic interests.

Political Implications

The President’s repeated overtures toward ODM signal a potential realignment of Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the next electoral contest. His public courtship of the opposition party represents a departure from traditional adversarial relationships between government and opposition formations.

Political observers note that such a coalition could fundamentally reshape campaign dynamics and party competition in the 2027 elections, though formal negotiations have yet to commence.

ODM’s response to these advances remains a subject of internal party deliberations as leadership weighs the implications of pre-election cooperation with the ruling coalition.

The President made these remarks during the Piny Luo Festival in Migori County on December 17, 2025.