ODM Lays Down Hardline Power-Sharing Demand in Early UDA Coalition Talks Ahead of 2027 Election
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued a firm warning to President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as Kenya’s political parties begin early manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Sunday, January 18, during an ODM grassroots mobilisation tour in Kakamega County dubbed Linda Ground, senior ODM leader Oburu Odinga made it clear that his party would only entertain coalition discussions that formally recognise its political strength and guarantee a share of power.
Addressing supporters, Oburu insisted that ODM remains the country’s largest political party and must not be treated as a junior partner in any pre-election alliance.
“I want to assure you that with your support, as we continue to negotiate with others, we will make sure that ODM, being the largest party in Kenya, gets its fair share of government,” Oburu declared.
“The broad-based arrangement is just a small thing. We want fair representation in government come 2027. We want to share power. We want to share power.”
Oburu further described the current broad-based political cooperation between ODM and the ruling coalition as temporary, stressing that the party’s long-term objective is to secure a meaningful stake in government after the next election cycle.
Early pressure on Ruto and UDA
The remarks are widely seen as early pressure on President Ruto and the UDA leadership, following reports that both parties’ central management committees have given the green light for exploratory coalition talks ahead of 2027.
ODM’s stance signals that negotiations will not be straightforward, with the party positioning itself as a dominant force rather than a supporting ally.
Backing Oburu’s remarks, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed said ODM had spent enough time in opposition and must now be fully integrated into government.
“The ODM party is not an NGO to push for people’s rights,” Junet said.
“ODM was formed to capture power. If you want to form an NGO, go and form one. The last opposition leader was the late Raila Odinga. Those coming after him will be in government.”
Junet also warned UDA against encroaching into ODM strongholds, insisting that ODM-controlled regions were off-limits politically. Similar sentiments have previously been echoed by Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi.
Coalition talks complicated further
By insisting on its numerical strength and demanding guaranteed power-sharing, ODM appears determined to shape the terms of any coalition agreement rather than accept conditions dictated by the ruling party.
The hardline stance significantly raises the stakes for UDA, potentially limiting President Ruto’s flexibility as he seeks to consolidate support ahead of the next election.
Oburu had previously hinted at ODM’s red lines in October 2025, stating that the party would not accept any coalition arrangement that placed it below the Deputy President’s position.
While he stopped short of outlining specific roles ODM is targeting, political observers believe the comments will further complicate negotiations and intensify behind-the-scenes bargaining as the 2027 race draws closer.
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ODM Lays Down Hardline Power-Sharing Demand in Early UDA Coalition Talks Ahead of 2027 Election