No Retreat, No Surrender? Ruto Makes Bold Move Hours After Sifuna Officially Changes Party Name

President William Ruto has moved to strengthen cooperation between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Nairobi County amid growing support for Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Movement.

On Friday, November 13, Ruto hosted elected leaders and delegates from the two parties at State House, Nairobi, where they discussed political unity and development plans ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The president said the meeting focused on bringing together leaders from the broad-based government and strengthening cooperation between the two political parties.

“We also committed to using the structures of our two political parties to strengthen unity in cosmopolitan Nairobi ahead of next year’s election,” Ruto stated.

He added that the leaders agreed to speed up development projects, including affordable housing, modern markets, road construction, drainage, water and sanitation services.

The meeting comes at a time when UDA and ODM are facing growing political competition in Nairobi, with both parties seeking to strengthen their influence ahead of the next elections.

Their latest move also comes as Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Movement gains attention among Nairobi residents.

A TIFA Research poll released on Thursday, November 12, placed Linda Mwananchi at the top of the Nairobi party popularity rankings with 26 per cent support.

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, followed with 11 per cent, while UDA and ODM each recorded 9 per cent.

The Nairobi gubernatorial race is also attracting interest, with incumbent Johnson Sakaja having moved from UDA to ODM as he seeks another term.

Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri has also expressed interest in the seat under UDA, while Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are eyeing the governor’s position through DCP and Linda Mwananchi respectively.

With political competition increasing, Ruto’s latest meeting signals an effort to consolidate the broad-based government’s support in Nairobi.

Will UDA and ODM manage to stop the growing influence of their political rivals?

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