Kenya's ODM splits over terms of Ruto coalition deal
Party leaders demand a written power-sharing agreement before backing President William Ruto's re-election, while rivals inside ODM favour unconditional support.
Kenya's Orange Democratic Movement is entering talks with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance from a weakened position, as its leaders disagree over whether to demand a written coalition deal or back his re-election without conditions.
At a rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday, Oburu Oginga, a Siaya senator and ODM leader, said the party must speak with one voice. Oginga said ODM could not afford "self-serving divisions or rogue pronouncements" that weaken its bargaining power, according to Nation Africa. He warned members against spending energy on the 2032 succession while the 2027 election is the immediate contest.
Junet Mohamed, the National Assembly Leader of Minority, said ODM and UDA would have a "properly documented coalition government" and that there was "nothing like unconditional support," Nation Africa reported. Kisii Governor Simba Arati, an ODM deputy leader, said any cooperation with UDA must be based on conditions.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, the party's national chairperson, and Oginga are among those pushing for a written agreement. Other ODM figures back unconditional support. Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said Ruto's re-election should be unconditional because the president had worked for the people. Nyando MP Jared Okello backed that position, and asked what value written political agreements had, citing past deals that he said were not honoured.
ODM has been divided since Raila Odinga, its longtime leader and a former prime minister, died in October 2025. The party joined Ruto's broad-based government in 2024 after protests led by young Kenyans known as Gen Z. Several ODM leaders now serve in Ruto's cabinet, including Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, East African Community Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul and Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho.
Nation Africa reported that Ruto's development projects in ODM's traditional bases and UDA's recruitment of grassroots leaders there have eroded the party's leverage. The report said Ruto and his allies have not commented on calls for a written pact.
Ambitions for the 2027 ticket have added to the strain. Oparanya, Joho and Wanga are each seeking the running mate slot, while Mbadi has said he is preparing to run for the presidency in 2032. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi faction has also drawn support from Gen Z, according to political analyst David Monda, who was quoted by Nation Africa.
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