The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have resolved to constitute two committees, one that will help establish a coalition framework and the other to prepare a joint manifesto in preparation for the August 2027 General Election.
Making the announcement after a two-day retreat of the ODM-Kenya Kwanza/UDA retreat in Naivasha on Monday, President William Ruto, in the company of ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga and 312 MPs, 48 senators, 24 governors and 24 deputy governors, said:
“This formalises the political partnership we have built and gives it a clear mandate to consolidate the progress we have made, carry our reforms to completion and present to the people of Kenya a common programme for the next phase of our national transformation.”
To the Joint Manifesto Committee, ODM has nominated Mr Isaac Wanuge, Maryam Abdullahi Mbaruk, Leonida Kerubo Omosa, Carrey Oregonian and Prof Bernard Muok, with the ODM Executive Director serving as an ex-officio member.
Kenya Kwanza has nominated Emmanuel Nzai, Dr Daniel Mwai, Bramwel Simiyu, Mohammed Hassan and Dr Cecilia Ng’etich, with the UDA Executive Director serving as an ex-officio member.
He explained that the team’s mandate will be to identify the coalition’s common priorities, harmonise areas requiring consensus, and develop practical policies that respond to the economic, social and governance aspirations of the Kenyan people
“Their task is not simply to produce a political document. The manifesto will draw from our shared values and priorities, while being informed by the aspirations, ideas and priorities expressed by Kenyans through the National Conversation on Kenya Beyond Vision 2030 and reflected in the National Development Charter that will emerge from it,” he said.
UDA and ODM party leaders will also each nominate five members to a second joint team to prepare the coalition framework agreement, recommend the principles and governance structures that will guide the partnership, and propose the leadership arrangements necessary to take the coalition forward.
“These are not merely internal processes between political parties. They are part of the work of building the partnership, developing the programme and preparing the leadership proposition upon which we shall seek your mandate in August 2027,” he said.
He told the team to begin work immediately because the mandate the coalition will seek in 2027 must be matched by a programme worthy of Kenya’s future.
Ruto said the broad-based coalition is ready to face Kenyans armed with a solid development record and progressive plan.
“Three years ago, we asked you to trust our plan. Today, we return not merely with promises, but with proof. We asked you to believe that Kenya could recover. Today, recovery is no longer the question,” he said.
At the same time, he commended Broad-Based MPs and senators for standing firm in advancing legislation that many considered difficult but which the country required.
“You have remained steadfast in ensuring that reform did not remain an idea but the law of our Republic. History will remember this Parliament as one that chose courage over convenience,” Ruto said.
He assured Kenyans of a peaceful election where everyone will have the opportunity to share their policies with Kenyans.
On his part, Oginga said the partnership between the two parties does not swallow ODM, but is based on a framework guided by the policies of the two parties.
He exuded confidence that the coalition will win the 2027 General Election by a landslide.
Oginga, who is also the Siaya senator, said the union is founded on democratic principles and inclusivity, ensuring that no part of the country is left behind.
“There will be no shareholding,” he said.
