Oburu Reveals Timeline for ODM-UDA Coalition Talks Ahead of 2027 Elections

ODM leader Oburu Oginga has outlined the party’s plans for negotiating a possible electoral partnership with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), insisting that the movement will not commit to a 2027 coalition without clear agreements.

Speaking to supporters through a recorded video message played at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday, October 31, Oburu maintained that ODM’s participation in the broad-based government was a calculated political decision rather than an arrangement entered into without considering the party’s interests.

The Siaya Senator defended the late Raila Odinga’s decision to work with Ruto, arguing that the move was guided by specific political objectives.

Oburu said ODM was fully aware of what it intended to achieve through the arrangement and dismissed suggestions that the party had surrendered its political independence.

He revealed that ODM and UDA had already established a technical committee comprising five representatives from each side to develop the framework for their cooperation.

The committee is expected to work on constitutional and policy matters before a separate political negotiating team takes over discussions on a possible 2027 electoral agreement.

According to Oburu, the political team will be jointly appointed by his side and President Ruto’s camp before February 2027.

He emphasised that the current broad-based government arrangement should not be confused with an electoral coalition, noting that the two require different structures and agreements.

His remarks come amid growing divisions within ODM over whether the party should support Ruto’s re-election bid and the benefits it would secure in return.

Some leaders have demanded a written agreement outlining power-sharing arrangements, government positions and political representation before the party makes any commitment.

Others have supported continued engagement with Ruto while negotiations proceed.

Oburu also called for discipline among ODM members, warning leaders against making public statements that contradict the party’s official position.

He urged those with personal opinions to distinguish them from the movement’s established policies.

The emerging negotiations are expected to shape ODM’s political direction following Raila’s death, with the outcome likely to determine whether the party formally partners with UDA in the 2027 General Election or maintains its current cooperation within the broad-based government.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/oburu-breaks-silence-on-odm-uda-2027-coalition-talks-rift-reveals-plan-for-negotiations-with-ruto

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