Wetang’ula said they do not feel threatened and were among Kenya Kwanza partners who encouraged President William Ruto to reach out to Raila Odinga, the then ODM leader. This is despite concerns that ODM’s entry could create casualties as Ruto accommodates new political interests.
On Wednesday, Wetang’ula welcomed the move, terming ODM’s onboarding a “wonderful idea” that allows more Kenyans to walk together.
“As for Ford Kenya and myself, I am already a partner of UDA. If my partner UDA is talking to another potential partner who will come and make us bigger, why would it worry me? Politics is a game of numbers,” Wetang’ula said.
Ford Kenya Projects Coalition Strength
The position was echoed by Ford Kenya secretary general John Chikati. The Tongaren MP told the Star the deal would strengthen the ruling alliance and give it an edge in the 2027 election.
“We still have a lot of room. We have a very good relationship with ODM and UDA,” Chikati said. Asked whether they feared a reduced stake, Chikati said their space was secured.
Pamoja African Alliance secretary general Kenneth Kazungu said the party was yet to make a decision.
Mt Kenya East Draws Line on Deputy Presidency
However, even as Ford Kenya projects confidence, disquiet is emerging in UDA. ODM acting party leader Senator Oburu Oginga said the deputy presidency is the party’s irreducible minimum.
However, UDA leaders from Mt Kenya East have warned that dropping Deputy President Kithure Kindiki would have consequences. In November, eight MPs expressed dissatisfaction with ODM’s push for a deal.
The legislators were Mugambi Rindikiri, Mpuru Aburi, John Mutunga, Dan Kiili, Julius Taitumu, Shadrack Mwiti, Dorothy Muthoni and Karambu Kailemia. They warned dropping Kindiki would alienate Ruto’s support base.
“Mt Kenya East is fully behind the President, but our support stands because of Kindiki. For many years, our region supported others. Now that we have one of our own, why should anyone start feeling greedy?” Rindikiri said.
Aburi said they would not relinquish the slot. “Let our brothers from the Lake region forget this seat. It belongs to Mt Kenya East and we will defend it,” he said.
UDA Members Voice Appointment Concerns
The unease surfaced during the UDA National Governing Council meeting on Monday. Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, also the UDA chairperson, praised Ruto’s choice of Kindiki for the position.
Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana warned that the coalition talks should not disadvantage loyal UDA members. “We the children of the house are very worried because sometimes the people in the house tend to be sidelined when children from outside come inside,” Mungatana said.
He cited Cabinet, Principal Secretary and diplomatic appointments that he said had gone to ODM-linked figures and allies of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. “When we see nice ministries going to the other side, people worry,” he said.
Political analyst Dennis Mwangi said Ruto is likely to reassess political alliances ahead of 2027. “President Ruto will be renewing partnerships based on the realities and the value each party brings,” Mwangi said.
