The ruling party UDA and the opposition party ODM have signaled plans to merge or form a coalition before the 2027 elections.
This unexpected development was highlighted during a recent thanksgiving ceremony for Wycliffe Oparanya, the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development. The event saw attendance from leaders of both parties voicing their newfound alliance aimed at fostering national stability and progress. Notable appointments by President William Ruto included ODM Deputy Party Leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and Ali Hassan Joho, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, and party chairman John Mbadi. These leaders voluntarily relinquished their positions within ODM upon accepting cabinet roles.
President Ruto, addressing the gathering, expressed confidence in the longevity of this alliance. He emphasized that this collaboration was not a temporary arrangement but a sustained effort to address Kenya’s socio-economic challenges. Ruto highlighted the similarities between the two parties’ manifestos, suggesting that this could facilitate a smoother integration. Drawing on his past experience as ODM’s Deputy Party Leader, Ruto conveyed an intrinsic understanding of the party’s framework and aspirations, potentially bridging historical divides between himself and Odinga’s camp.
The call for unity was echoed by ODM’s deputy leader Simba Arati who stressed the shared responsibility of delivering tangible results to the electorate. Arati emphasized the strategic importance of collaboration between the Western and Nyanza regions in forming a “strong team” for the next electoral cycle, with an eye toward national leadership following Ruto’s term. Governor James Orengo of Siaya provided historical context, drawing parallels to the 2007 post-election violence and the subsequent need for political unity to restore peace and stability.
His remarks served as a reminder of Kenya’s turbulent political history and the importance of collaborative governance. The event was also marked by gestures of reconciliation, with several ODM leaders publicly apologizing to Ruto for past insults exchanged during the heated 2022 campaign. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, previously a vocal critic of Ruto, expressed regret for his remarks, indicating a broader desire for reconciliation and a unified vision for the future. President Ruto graciously accepted these apologies and emphasizing his resilience to past criticisms and the importance of focusing on national development.
In a show of goodwill, he pledged support for Odinga’s aspiration to chair the African Union Commission, highlighting the significance of Kenyan leadership on the continental stage. The ceremony was attended by various governors and legislators from across the political spectrum, including Kenneth Lusaka of Bungoma and Anyang Nyong’o of Kisumu.
