Oburu shuts down calls for written ODM-UDA agreement

In a statement dated October 29, 2026, Oburu took issue with individuals, including non-ODM members, whom he accused of attempting to dictate how the party should negotiate with UDA, particularly whether the talks should culminate in a written agreement.

Oburu said the party was capable of conducting negotiations in its own interests and those of Kenyans, warning outsiders against exploiting his temporary absence from active political engagement to influence its decisions.

“Let me be unequivocal: ODM is an established political institution with legitimate structures, clear objectives and an experienced leadership capable of conducting negotiations in the Party’s and Kenyans’ best interests,” he said.

He further maintained that the negotiations should not be conducted in the public glare, describing them as serious political engagements rather than public spectacles.

“These negotiations are serious political engagements, not public spectacles to be conducted in the glare of television cameras,” he said.

The party leader, however, reaffirmed that full implementation of the 10-point agenda agreed upon between former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President William Ruto remains a non-negotiable condition of ODM’s engagement with UDA.

“Our commitment to this agenda is absolute,” Oburu said, adding that the party would continue pursuing national progress and stability.

His remarks come amid sustained disagreements within ODM over the party’s political cooperation with UDA and the direction of negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The debate has exposed differences between leaders supporting the broad-based arrangement under Oburu and those opposed to a closer political partnership with President Ruto’s party.

The disagreements have also centred on whether the existing understanding between the two parties is sufficient or whether a fresh, clearly defined coalition agreement should be negotiated.

In January, ODM’s Central Management Committee, chaired by Oburu, resolved to initiate structured pre-election coalition talks with UDA ahead of the 2027 polls. The party leader was mandated to spearhead the negotiations, with any resulting framework agreement expected to be subjected to ratification by the party’s National Delegates Convention.

Oburu has previously indicated that ODM would negotiate as an equal partner, with the party seeking to protect its political interests and bargaining position.

In June, he said a future coalition agreement with UDA would be based on a 50-50 power-sharing formula, adding that no elective position, including the presidency, would be excluded from negotiations.

Oburu also urged individuals and political parties seeking alliances, mergers or coalitions to concentrate on their own political choices rather than attempting to prescribe ODM’s direction.

“ODM knows where it is going, what it wants and how to get there,” he said.

Oburu also gave an update on his recovery, thanking Kenyans, ODM members, friends and well-wishers for their prayers and support, and assuring them that he was making steady progress towards full recovery.