UDA Authorises Ruto to Lead Coalition Talks With ODM Ahead of 2027 Polls

President William Ruto has been authorised by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to lead coalition negotiations with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The mandate was issued during a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held at State House, Nairobi, on 14 January. In a communiqué released after the meeting, the NEC resolved that Ruto should oversee the establishment of formal structures to guide engagement with ODM. The committee noted that ODM had also agreed to pursue structured talks within the Kenya Kwanza framework.

The NEC said the decision builds on an existing working relationship between the two parties. UDA and ODM have jointly supported the adoption of the 2024 National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which is currently before Parliament. In addition, several ODM members have taken up roles within government as part of a broad-based governance arrangement.

In March 2025, the two parties signed a memorandum of understanding based on a 10-point agenda. This agreement led to the formation of a bipartisan implementation committee to coordinate shared priorities. Their cooperation has also extended to electoral contests. During the November 2025 by-elections, candidates from UDA and ODM won all contested Senate and National Assembly seats after agreeing to support each other in selected races.

By assigning coalition talks directly to Ruto, UDA has indicated its intention to formalise its engagement with ODM ahead of the next elections. Within ODM, the move comes as party members continue to debate whether to support Ruto’s bid for a second term. Political observers note that a pre-election coalition could significantly influence the 2027 contest by strengthening Kenya Kwanza and reshaping traditional alignments between government and opposition.

The NEC also reviewed the outcome of UDA’s grassroots elections conducted on 10 January 2026 in 20 counties. Party officials reported that about 2.4 million members took part. A total of 492,439 candidates contested 231,770 positions across 17,953 polling centres. Of those elected, 56 per cent were men, 44 per cent women, and 33 per cent were youth.

However, the NEC acknowledged that elections were not completed in some areas. It directed the National Elections Board to organise repeat polls within 30 days in centres where voting did not take place or where turnout was insufficient. Ward-level elections are to be held within a month after the repeat polls. The Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee was instructed to conclude all related cases in accordance with party rules.