Kenya Kwanza, ODM parties formalise coalition for 2027 election

Speaking in Naivasha on Monday after a retreat attended by leaders of the broad-based government, Ruto said the two sides had agreed to develop a common manifesto and establish structures to guide the coalition ahead of next year’s polls.

“Kenya Kwanza and the Orange Democratic Movement have today formally resolved to develop a joint manifesto for the next election and constitute a coalition to contest the 2027 General Election together,” Ruto said.

The President said a five-member team from each side will immediately begin drafting the manifesto, while a second team will prepare the Coalition Framework Agreement, including governance structures and leadership arrangements.

ODM nominated Isaac Onyuge, Mariam Abdulahi Mbaruk, Leonida Kerubo Omusa, Engineer Kare Orege and Professor Bernard Muok, with the ODM Executive Director serving as an ex-officio member.

Kenya Kwanza nominated Emmanuel Nzai, Dr Daniel Mwai, Bramwell Simiyu, Mohamed Hassan and Dr Cecilia Ngetich, with the UDA Executive Director also serving as an ex-officio member.

Ruto said the partnership would transform what began as cooperation in government into a common political platform through which the two sides will seek the mandate of Kenyans in August 2027.

He also assured Kenyans that the 2027 election would be peaceful, credible and transparent, saying all political formations would have an opportunity to present their ideas to voters.

ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga dismissed suggestions that the coalition would weaken or absorb his party, insisting that ODM had entered the broad-based government from a position of strength.

“ODM is not a weak party. We came to this coalition not because we are unable to field a presidential candidate,” Oburu said.

He said ODM joined the government to prevent political change through demonstrations and instead ensure that power changes hands through the ballot.

Oburu said the coalition’s manifesto must reflect policies from both ODM and Kenya Kwanza, while a separate team would negotiate the coalition framework, including power-sharing arrangements.

“For those who thought that ODM was going to be swallowed, I tell them, ODM is not going to be swallowed,” he said.

Oburu also declared that the coalition was serious about the 2027 contest and predicted a landslide victory.

“All political parties are formed to be in power,” he said.