The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has intensified its pre-election coalition negotiations with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), 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 would not accept any coalition agreement that falls short of an equal stake in government. She emphasized that ODM’s participation is conditional on parity within the proposed alliance.
Wanga also announced that ODM plans to field candidates for all elective positions in Nairobi County, including the governorship, as part of its strategy to consolidate support in the capital. Decisions regarding the presidency, she added, will only be made after coalition negotiations with UDA are concluded.
In addition to power-sharing, ODM is advocating for the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which it says forms part of the broader bipartisan agenda agreed upon by President Ruto and the late ODM leader Raila Odinga. Wanga also called for compensation for families of individuals who lost their lives during recent protests, describing justice for victims as a key pillar of the party’s demands.
ODM leaders reiterated their commitment to contest all seats in Nairobi—from Member of County Assembly to Governor—as part of the party’s 2027 election strategy.
However, there are differing views within ODM regarding the timing of the coalition talks. Speaking in Got Kabindi, Masana, South Maragoli in Vihiga County, ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi described the negotiations with UDA as premature, warning that the party risks being politically disadvantaged.
Osotsi argued that with the election still over a year away, ODM could be shortchanged if it commits too early to a deal. He insisted that ODM must field its own presidential candidate, maintaining that the party cannot forgo contesting the top seat as part of any coalition arrangement.
