UDA, ODM coalition will bring in 17 million votes - Wanga

While leading the party's youth league celebrations in Mashuuru, Kajiado County, ODM leaders expressed confidence that the combined support of the two parties would be enough to secure a first-round victory in the next presidential election.

Another group of ODM leaders meeting in Trans Nzoia County rooted for the deputy president's position to go to the Orange party.

Orange Democratic Movement leaders converged in Kajiado East Constituency for the party's youth league celebrations, bringing together members from across the county.

Led by ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, the leaders used the event to dismiss the opposition's claims of numerical strength.

"If ODM and UDA combine our votes, we will have about 17 million votes. That is why we have said we must work together," Wanga said.

"Every region that stood with Raila Odinga will not be left behind," Junet Mohamed said.

"If you want to become the President of Kenya, you must seek votes from every corner of the country, down to every ward. You cannot rely on just one constituency," Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said.

The ODM leaders said they would sustain nationwide rallies to strengthen the party and protect its traditional support bases amid concerns over infiltration by rival political parties.

"As ODM, we must uphold party discipline," said ODM National Elections Board Chairperson Judith Pareno.

"We must ensure ODM and UDA remain united as one and win all elective seats," Kajiado East MP Kakuta Ole Maimai Nkaissery (Ole Nkedianye, if referring to the speaker) said.

"From now on, we will not relent. We will tour every corner of Kenya to strengthen ODM so that when the time comes, we have a seat at the table and receive our rightful share," Wanga said.

Meanwhile, another group of ODM leaders drawn from Western Kenya pitched camp in Cherangany, Trans Nzoia County, to drum up support for President William Ruto's second-term bid.

The leaders argued that the Western region is well positioned to produce the country's next Deputy President in 2027.

"We have come together as partners in the broad-based government, and we have fronted our deputy party leader, Wycliffe Oparanya, as the best candidate for Deputy President," Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali said.

The sentiments were echoed by other party officials, who said their immediate focus is to mobilise support to secure President Ruto's re-election.

"We are going to ensure that we deliver votes for President Ruto," ODM Secretary-General Rachael Omamo said.

The leaders also urged young Kenyans to register for national identification cards and use them to elect leaders they believe can spur economic growth and transform the country.