How ODM Plans to Use MoU with UDA to Forge 2027 Alliance

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) are actively pursuing a comprehensive 10-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed earlier this year, with implications for the 2027 general election. 

The agreement, brokered between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto, signals a notable departure from their historically adversarial relationship. The MoU, executed on 7 March 2025 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, outlines a sweeping reform agenda designed to address critical issues of governance, inclusivity, and accountability. 

Central to the agreement are commitments to implement the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, stimulate youth employment opportunities, strengthen devolution frameworks, and safeguard fundamental civil liberties, including press freedom and the right to peaceful assembly. Other key areas of focus include a national debt audit, the implementation of robust anti-corruption measures, and the provision of compensation for victims of political violence, issues that have intensified following the Gen Z-led protests of 2024. 

Despite their intense rivalry during the 2022 presidential election, Raila and Ruto now appear to share a converging vision for national stability. Raila has publicly voiced his support for the broad-based government until 2027, emphasising that any decisions beyond this period will be determined through collective discussions within the ODM. 

As he said in a recent interview, "We have said that we are in the broad-based government until 2027. Beyond 2027 are issues that we will discuss at the appropriate time."

This apparent alignment has fueled speculation regarding a potential joint presidential ticket or coalition in the upcoming election. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who also serves as UDA’s deputy party leader, alluded to the potential strength of a Ruto-Raila alliance, suggesting it would pose a formidable challenge to any opposition. 

"If you look at William Ruto, me, and now that we have His Excellency Raila Odinga in our team, do we look like people who can be defeated?" Kindiki remarked.

The political rationale behind this partnership is multifaceted. For the ODM, the MoU provides a platform to exert influence on policy formation and secure tangible advantages for its constituencies. To date, several ODM figures have been appointed to prominent government positions, including Cabinet roles within the Treasury, Mining, Energy, and Cooperatives ministries. 

For the UDA, the alliance offers a safeguard against increasing opposition momentum and internal dissent, particularly amidst growing public concerns over economic performance and governance issues. However, the pact has faced criticism. ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna initially criticised the government’s perceived failure to fully honour aspects of the agreement. 

He cited ongoing incidents of police brutality and the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in custody as evidence of unfulfilled commitments. Despite this, following a Central Committee meeting chaired by Raila, the party resolved to establish a technical team to collaborate with their UDA counterparts, indicating a renewed dedication to the implementation of the MoU.

This pragmatic strategy reflects a strategic recalibration within the ODM. While internal divisions persist, the party has opted for a structured engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration, concentrating on achieving measurable results. Raila emphasised that the ODM's participation is not merely symbolic: "We are not just going for the ride. We have clear expectations and benchmarks. If they are not met, we will act—not as Raila Odinga, but as ODM."

The roadmap for operationalising the MoU includes collaborative legislative initiatives, youth employment schemes, national dialogue forums, and a cohesive communication strategy. The establishment of a compensation fund for victims of past protests is also underway, with Raila confirming the creation of a task force to oversee the process.