- Two of the biggest political parties in the country, UDA and ODM, are set for negotiations aimed at reaching a 2027 pre-election agreement
- Top organs of both parties have already given their leadership a go-ahead for the negotiations to start as soon as possible
- TUKO.co.ke spoke to political analyst Advice Mundalo, who opened up on a possible deal the two parties can agree on
The top leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has been officially given the green light to start negotiations with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
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ODM’s central management committee allowed the party leader Oburu Odinga to engage UDA on a possible 2027 pre-election deal.
The deal, if agreed, would see the Orange party support President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
However, the committee had also indicated that there was still room for ODM to negotiate with other political parties.
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“The central committee noted that the general election will be held next year and resolved that the party cannot afford to wait to begin preparations. The committee directed that structured work commence immediately towards positioning ODM to not only contest next year’s general election but also form the next government,” noted part of the statement read by ODM party leader Oburu Oginga after the meeting held on Monday, January 12.
“The committee meeting expressed the intention to initiate structured negotiations with different political parties, beginning with UDA. To this end, we have mandated the party leader to commence this process. Concurrently, consultations with party members will proceed, culminating in a national delegates conference,” the statement added.
ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna and national deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi did not attend the meeting. The two have been opposed to any plans for the ODM to work with Ruto in 2027.
A section of ODM leaders has already declared support for the resolution for the party to initiate talks with UDA.
Even before the party begins the talks, Nandi senator Samson Cheragey subtly hinted that the deputy president position would not be available for ODM and that Kithure Kindiki will be retained for the 2027 General Election.
“We as members of UDA will give all the support to ensure the success of this pre-coalition agreement between the ODM party and other like-minded partners to form a formidable winning ticket of Ruto-kindiki in the 2027 Presidential Elections,” the vocal senator said.
Can ODM get runningmate position in the 2027 pact with UDA?
ODM is on record demanding to get the deputy president slot for it to support President Ruto in 2027.
However, political analyst Advice Mundalo told TUKO.co.ke that such a demand would only be realistic had former Prime Minister Raila Odinga been alive today.
“ODM as it is now has ordinary politicians. It stood a chance to negotiate for the deputy presidency or even the top seat when Baba (Raila) was still around,” Mundalo said.
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He argues that even the ODM officials know it is impossible for them to get the position, especially with Kindiki’s strong showing in the Mbeere North by-election that elevated his profile.
Kindiki led UDA’s campaigns and eventually delivered the seat amidst strong competition from the United Opposition-backed candidate Newton Karish.
“He (Kindiki) has proved that he is loyal and not only a professor but a smart politician who can mobilise. I also doubt the president can afford to get into an election with Mt Kenya region feeling like they have been shortchanged,” Mundalo noted.
What’s the best deal ODM can get from Ruto for 2027?
With the running mate position seemingly out of reach, ODM will have to settle for other positions should it agree to a deal with President Ruto.
According to Mundalo, the Orange party is left with only two other top positions it can negotiate for.
“The first thing ODM is likely to negotiate for and get is the Prime Cabinet Secretary and National Assembly speaker seats. Those are the two they will be starting with, alongside parastatals and development projects,” he said.
For the current holders of the seats, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang’ula, Munfalo believes they can still be accommodated in the government.
He argues that the two need Ruto to win re-election more than he needs them.
“Ruto has proved to be stable in the management of his political affairs. He will still manage them (Mudavadi and Wetang’ula,” the analyst said.
UDA had already agreed to start pre-election negotiations with ODM following a meeting held on Wednesday, January 14.
President Ruto, in a post on his social media pages, said they are establishing mechanisms for structured engagement with the ODM Party to deepen political cooperation.
“The objective is to strengthen the ongoing political partnership, support stable governance, and lay the foundation for a formal coalition arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election,” he added.
Is ODM planning to expel Edwin Sifuna?
Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that ODM leader Oburu Oginga had dismissed reports of a planned expulsion of members opposed to the party working with President Ruto.
Oburu assured members that no one will be kicked out despite sharp divisions being witnessed within the party.
He however insisted that ODM will remain in the broad-based government until 2027 as they continue with negotiations on a possible pre-election deal with like-minded parties.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
