Ledama Olekina Reveal Details of Ruto-ODM Joint Manifesto,Insist Coalition Will Be 50-50 Arrangement

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has revealed that a technical team is working on a joint manifesto bringing together President William Ruto’s development agenda and ODM’s political priorities.

Speaking during a Sunday interview on Citizen TV, Olekina disclosed that preparations for the proposed document were already underway, with representatives from both political parties involved.

According to the senator, the joint manifesto will incorporate President Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and ODM’s Usawa Ni Sawa philosophy.

He explained that the technical team had already completed preliminary work and presented a briefing to the secretaries-general of both parties.

“They have given a brief to the SG of ODM and the SG of UDA,” Olekina stated, signalling progress in discussions surrounding the proposed political arrangement.

The Narok senator further maintained that negotiations would cover all outstanding issues, insisting that neither party would be expected to surrender its interests.

He emphasised that ODM was entering the arrangement as an equal partner rather than a junior political partner expected to follow another party’s decisions.

“We will negotiate for everything on the table,” Olekina said, outlining the position his faction intends to maintain during the negotiations.

He dismissed suggestions that ODM would operate under the control of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), arguing that both parties must approach negotiations with equal bargaining power.

“We are not going to be anybody’s subordinate; we are going into this arrangement 50/50,” he declared.

His remarks come amid growing political discussions surrounding the relationship between ODM and President Ruto’s administration.

The proposed cooperation has attracted different reactions from ODM leaders, with some supporting engagement with the government while others question its implications for the party’s independence.

The disagreement has exposed competing political interests within ODM, particularly concerning the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.

President Ruto’s BETA agenda focuses on economic transformation through sectors such as agriculture, affordable housing, healthcare, digital services and micro, small and medium enterprises.

On the other hand, ODM’s Usawa Ni Sawa philosophy emphasises equality, fairness and opportunities for ordinary Kenyans.

Bringing the two frameworks together would require negotiations to establish shared priorities, implementation strategies and commitments that both political parties can support.

Olekina’s latest disclosure suggests that discussions have moved beyond political statements towards developing a framework outlining the proposed partnership.

However, the final contents of the joint manifesto, the specific terms of cooperation and the distribution of responsibilities remain subject to negotiations.

The senator’s insistence on a 50-50 arrangement also signals ODM’s determination to retain its political identity and bargaining position within the proposed partnership.

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