Simba Arati Sends Message to Ruto as ODM Sets Conditions for 2027 Coalition Talks

Kisii Governor Simba Arati has declared that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will not enter into a political agreement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election without securing favourable terms.

Arati, who serves as ODM’s Deputy Party Leader, maintained that the party must negotiate conditions that protect its political interests before committing to support Ruto’s re-election bid.

Speaking during the ODM mega rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday, October 31, 2026, the governor dismissed suggestions that the Orange party should support the President without demanding specific commitments.

He insisted that ODM had a responsibility to negotiate its position and ensure that any partnership with UDA reflected the interests of its members and supporters.

“Watu wanasema sisi kwamba mheshimiwa William Ruto tusiweke conditions. Sisi kama chama cha ODM, tunasema mapatano lazima tutaweka. Kushirikiana na UDA lazima tutafanya conditions ambazo zitafanya tungie katika serikali,” Arati stated.

The governor further challenged those questioning the party’s demands, insisting that ODM would remain committed to the principles championed by its late former leader, Raila Odinga.

“Kwa hivyo watulize boli. Sisi kama chama cha ODM, tutasimama kwa zile haki baba Raila Odinga alikuwa amesimamia,” he added.

His remarks came amid disagreements between ODM and some government officials over whether the party should attach conditions to its proposed political partnership with Ruto.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo had earlier cautioned ODM leaders against placing demands on the President, arguing that Ruto should receive support based on his development record.

Omollo maintained that the President had continued delivering services across the country without discrimination and should not be pressured into signing conditional political agreements.

However, ODM leaders have maintained that political cooperation must be guided by clear negotiations rather than verbal assurances.

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga also defended the party’s position, arguing that ODM was a national political movement whose negotiating interests should not be reduced to ethnic considerations.

Party leader Oburu Oginga similarly maintained that the relationship between ODM and UDA required a properly negotiated framework.

Among the issues ODM wants addressed are power-sharing arrangements, political zoning, joint nominations and the allocation of senior government positions.

The Deputy President’s position has emerged as one of the major issues in the negotiations, with several ODM leaders insisting that the party should produce Ruto’s running mate if it agrees to support his re-election.

During the same Jacaranda rally, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir publicly reiterated the party’s position.

“Na tunasema Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya atakuwa kutoka ODM,” Nassir declared.

The demand comes as UDA leaders continue expressing support for retaining Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Ruto’s 2027 ticket. UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar has also reaffirmed support for the existing Ruto-Kindiki partnership.

Another outstanding disagreement concerns political zoning, with ODM seeking arrangements that would protect its traditional strongholds from competition by its coalition partner.

Meanwhile, Oburu disclosed that ODM and UDA had established a technical team consisting of five representatives from each party to work on a proposed political and policy framework.

He also announced plans to establish a separate political negotiating team before February 2027.

Oburu clarified that ODM’s participation in the broad-based government should not be mistaken for a formal electoral coalition, maintaining that the two arrangements were different.

As the August 2027 elections approach, Arati’s latest declaration highlights the issues that ODM wants addressed before making a formal commitment to Ruto’s re-election campaign.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/simba-arati-says-odm-must-set-conditions-in-2027-coalition-talks-with-rutos-uda?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8yNzUyNTQ2OTI1OTgyNzkAAR8G9G9kx5k844rU7oM6sexMc_8-1a70-1md5NxYdc24i5Ghy6bsLmAbTrC1eA_aem_7wdIA3G8aWGEcjADSbIaPw

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