“We are the biggest party in the country, and we must get our fair share,” Odinga told delegates in Busia County. “What our people have been denied in the past, they must now get.”
Coalition Framework Takes Shape
Both parties’ central management committees have authorized formal coalition discussions. UDA’s National Executive Committee mandated Ruto on January 14 to initiate structured talks with ODM aimed at forging a pre-election agreement.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed revealed that half of the 10-point reform agenda between Ruto and the late Raila Odinga has been implemented. Full execution of remaining commitments would lead to a structured coalition, he said.
“Governments in this country are formed through coalitions,” Mohamed said. “ODM was not formed as an NGO. It was formed to gain political power.”
Internal Party Divisions Surface
Significant divisions have emerged within ODM over the timing of negotiations. Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi termed the pre-election talks premature, warning the party risks being disadvantaged.
Osotsi accused UDA of attempting a hostile takeover of ODM’s grassroots structures in Western Kenya, claiming officials had drawn legislators into campaign meetings under false pretenses.
“The only existing arrangement is the temporary 10-point reform package from 2024 Gen Z protests, which expires in 2027,” Osotsi said. “It does not constitute a political pact.”
Deputy President Position in Focus
ODM leaders have indicated their minimum expectation would be the deputy president position, though UDA leaders have signaled resistance. Nandi Senator Samson Cheragey suggested Deputy President Kithure Kindiki would be retained.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga emphasized decisions must flow through proper party structures, including the National Delegates Convention.
“In 2026, ODM will have its national delegates’ convention because this decision is for the entire party,” Wanga said. “We must negotiate properly.”
Analysts note ODM’s leverage stems from its strong Western Kenya and Nyanza support base, though internal divisions and UDA’s recent by-election victories have complicated negotiations.
