President William Ruto has announced that Kenya Kwanza and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have formally resolved to develop a joint manifesto and form a coalition to contest the 2027 General Election, signaling a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape.
Speaking during the announcement, Ruto said the decision followed consultations within the two political formations, with both parties agreeing to chart a common political future ahead of the next polls.
“After consultations within our respective parties and formations, Kenya Kwanza and ODM have today formally resolved to develop a joint manifesto for the next election and constitute a coalition to contest the 2027 General Election together,” the President said.
Joint team named to draft manifesto
Ruto said the two parties had constituted a 10-member committee comprising five representatives from each side to prepare a common manifesto that will be presented to Kenyans before the 2027 elections.
He argued that political parties seeking re-election must offer voters a vision for the future rather than relying solely on their record in office.
“No election can be fought on past achievements alone. Those who seek your mandate as the people of Kenya must also tell you where they intend to take this country tomorrow,” he said.
According to Ruto, ODM has nominated Isaac Wanuge, Mariam Mbaruk, Leonida Kerubo and Prof Benard Muok to the team, while the ODM Executive Director will serve as an ex officio member.
Kenya Kwanza has nominated Emmanuel Nzai, Dr Daniel Mwai, Bramwel Simiyu and Dr Cecilia Ng’etich, with the UDA Executive Director also serving as an ex officio member.
“Their task is not simply to produce a political document; the manifesto will draw from our shared values and priorities while being informed by the aspirations, ideas and priorities expressed by Kenyans,” Ruto said.
Oburu defends ODM’s decision
ODM Deputy Party Leader Oburu Odinga maintained that the party had not joined the coalition out of political weakness, insisting it remains capable of fielding its own presidential candidate.
“ODM is not a weak party. We came to this coalition not because we are unable to field a presidential candidate, nor because we are not prepared at the grassroots,” Oburu said.
He added that the party chose to work with the government to ensure leadership changes are achieved through constitutional means rather than street protests.
“We joined the government because we did not want the government to be changed through demonstrations. We want the government of Kenya to be changed through a democratic process, through the ballot box,” he said.
Power-sharing talks to follow
Oburu also dismissed claims that ODM risks being absorbed into the ruling party, saying the party would retain its identity within the coalition arrangement.
“As we move forward, those who thought ODM was going to be swallowed, I tell them ng’ooooo! ODM is not going to be swallowed,” he said.
He disclosed that after the manifesto committee completes its work, another framework team will be established to negotiate the coalition agreement, including how power will be shared between the two parties.
The announcement marks one of the clearest indications yet that UDA and ODM are preparing to face the 2027 General Election as coalition partners, with both parties now moving to align their policy agenda and political structures ahead of the polls.
