The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has signalled plans to reopen talks with President William Ruto, seeking a fresh political understanding ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Senior party officials say ODM wants structured engagement with the Head of State to address unresolved matters, including expanded representation in government and clarity on the party’s role within the broad-based arrangement.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed said ODM cannot afford to drift into the next election cycle without a clear political roadmap, even as it continues to cooperate with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
We cannot sit back without a plan simply because we are part of a broad-based government, Junet said.
He noted that while ODM did not back President Ruto in the 2022 presidential race, several party members have since been appointed to key Cabinet positions. These include John Mbadi (Treasury), Hassan Joho (Blue Economy), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy).
However, Junet maintained that the appointments do not amount to a comprehensive political agreement, arguing that ODM expects more formal engagement with the President.
The Suna East MP warned that ODM’s support in the 2027 campaigns cannot be taken for granted, stating that the party’s backing would depend on the outcome of negotiations.
If they want our votes in 2027, they must come to the table with proposals, he said, adding that claims suggesting ODM has no choice but to support President Ruto were misleading.
We must negotiate before elections. Anyone saying ODM will go into an election without talks does not speak for the party, Junet added.
He was speaking on Sunday at the home of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, accompanied by ODM deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi, national chairperson Gladys Wanga, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, and nominated Senator Catherine Mumma.
ODM and Kenya Kwanza signed a memorandum of understanding on March 7, 2025, committing to political cooperation. President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had pledged to work together under the agreement.
However, ODM leaders say the understanding did not mean unconditional support for all government positions. Following Raila Odinga’s death in October, party officials reiterated that cooperation with the government does not override ODM’s independence as a national political party.
Junet said ODM’s nationwide support remains significant and could influence the outcome of the 2027 presidential contest.
ODM has numbers. That strength means we must sit down with the President and agree on how we move forward, he said.
He added that ODM’s political engagement would remain focused on Kenya Kwanza, noting that the party has no plans to involve impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in its 2027 strategy.
ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga dismissed claims that the party would weaken following Raila Odinga’s death, insisting that ODM’s strength lies in its membership.
ODM will not collapse. A party is built by its people. I urge members to stay united and keep strengthening the party, said the Homa Bay Governor.
Wanga said ODM’s decision to support a broad-based government was driven by the need to ensure inclusive development, especially in regions that have historically been marginalised.
She confirmed that the party is preparing a new set of proposals for President Ruto ahead of further talks.
We must know what is on the table. We will present our proposals, and UDA must do the same. We cannot enter an election without clarity, she said.
According to Wanga, ODM’s proposals will outline specific benefits for different regions as part of any future power-sharing arrangement.
We can only move forward after agreeing on how we govern together, she added.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi urged party members to remain loyal to ODM, saying the party must be fully involved in any coalition-building process.
We must be consulted when coalitions are formed, Osotsi said, adding that the broad-based government and its policy agenda directly affect citizens.
