ODM Demands Fresh Power-sharing Talks with President Ruto Ahead of 2027 Election Showdown
Senior figures in Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have issued a stark warning to President William Ruto, insisting on renewed negotiations for a more structured power-sharing deal before the 2027 General Election.
The calls come amid growing tensions within the broad-based government formed earlier this year, with ODM leaders arguing that current arrangements – including key Cabinet appointments – fall short of what the party deserves given its national influence.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed led the charge during a party event at the home of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo on Sunday, emphasising that ODM cannot afford to enter the next election without clear agreements.
“We cannot sit back without a plan simply because we are in a broad-based government,” Mr Mohamed declared.
The Suna East MP highlighted that despite ODM not backing President Ruto in the fiercely contested 2022 election, the Kenya Kwanza administration has already appointed several party members to high-profile roles.
These include John Mbadi as National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Hassan Joho in Mining and Blue Economy, Wycliffe Oparanya in Cooperatives, and Opiyo Wandayi in Energy.
Yet, ODM insists this is insufficient and is pushing for deeper engagement to secure additional government positions and regional benefits.
“We did not vote for President Ruto, yet the Kenya Kwanza administration appointed six of our members to the Cabinet. If they want our votes in 2027, they must table their proposals,” Mr Mohamed said.
He dismissed suggestions from some quarters that ODM has no choice but to support Dr Ruto unconditionally, adding: “We must engage in talks before the election. Anyone saying ODM will go into an election without negotiations does not speak for the party.”
Mr Mohamed was joined by a host of senior ODM officials, including deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi, national chairperson Gladys Wanga, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, and nominated Senator Catherine Mumma.
The demands follow the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kenya Kwanza and ODM on March 7, 2025, brokered by President Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to promote political cooperation and national unity.
Tragically, Mr Odinga passed away in October 2025 while receiving medical treatment in India, leaving a void in Kenyan politics just months after the pact was sealed.
ODM leaders have since stressed that supporting the government does not equate to blanket acceptance of the current terms.
“ODM has a large support base that can influence the outcome of the presidential election. We must sit down with the President and talk ahead of 2027. We need a proper engagement before moving forward,” Mr Mohamed added.
He made clear that any future discussions would be confined to Kenya Kwanza, ruling out involvement with impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in ODM’s 2027 strategy.
Homa Bay Governor and ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga echoed the calls for structured talks, rejecting claims that the party would collapse following Mr Odinga’s death.
“ODM will remain strong. What makes a party strong is its members. I urge them not to lose hope but to strengthen the party by promoting unity,” Ms Wanga said.
She explained that ODM’s participation in the broad-based government stems from a commitment to ensuring marginalised regions benefit from national development.
“We must know what is in store for us. We will present our proposals, and UDA must do the same. We will not go into an election without a clear plan,” the governor added.
Ms Wanga revealed that ODM’s proposals would include specific benefits tailored to each region, stating: “We will form a new government, but only after agreeing on how we move forward together.”
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, an ODM deputy leader, underlined the importance of consultation in any future coalition.
“We must be consulted on coalition formation,” he said, adding: “The broad-based government and the ten-point agenda are inseparable because they directly affect the people.”
As Kenya gears up for what promises to be another heated electoral battle in 2027, ODM’s push for renegotiated terms could reshape alliances and test President Ruto’s re-election strategy, with the party positioning itself as a kingmaker in the country’s evolving political landscape.
ODM Demands Fresh Power-sharing Talks with President Ruto Ahead of 2027 Election Showdown