The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced plans to form a joint technical team with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to draft a shared manifesto that will guide the two parties’ 2027 presidential campaign.
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga said the team would work alongside UDA to develop a common policy agenda that both parties would use as they campaign for the re-election of President William Ruto.
Dr Oginga made it clear that the Orange party has no intention of fielding its own presidential candidate, noting that its members have instead rallied behind Dr Ruto’s bid for a second term.
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga (right) with party officials and members during the homecoming ceremony of Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo at Kanyadhiang Primary School in Karachuonyo Constituency on August 1, 2026.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
Although he did not disclose the members of the technical team, he said they would work closely with Kenya Kwanza to ensure the coalition retains power while securing ODM’s place in government.
According to the Siaya Senator, the negotiations are centred on developing policies that reflect the interests of both UDA and ODM.
“We are soon going to come out with a manifesto which we shall use to campaign for Kenyans in the future,” he said.
Dr Oginga also threw his weight behind President Ruto’s development blueprint, arguing that it builds on ideas championed by his late brother, Raila Odinga.
“That 2060 blueprint was an idea of Raila, he crafted the team that formed it. Therefore we are supporting it because it is our idea. It is our contribution to the coalition,” the senator said.
He urged voters in the Nyanza region to remain united, saying regional solidarity would strengthen President Ruto’s chances of victory in the next General Election while enhancing ODM’s bargaining power.
“I will be asked for numbers when we get to the negotiations table. Unity will enable other parties to engage us, so register as voters to enable us to have power,” the senator said.
Dr Oginga spoke during the thanksgiving service of Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo at Kanyadhiang Primary School in Karachuonyo Constituency.
He said the appointments of CS Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi demonstrated that ODM and Kenya Kwanza could work together effectively.
“This time round we are getting into government through the door. We got in through the window and look at what we got,” the senator said, implying that the party could secure more appointments if it continues supporting the government.
Dr Oginga assured party members that ODM remains strong, dismissing claims that the party had lost its influence following the death of Raila Odinga.
“Some people say Raila’s death also killed ODM. Some celebrated after his death. They also claim ODM is divided and fragmented,” he said.
The Siaya Senator maintained that no member had been forced out of the party after the former leader’s death.
“We did not send them away. After all, there must be chaff in wheat,” he said.
He also renewed calls for political zoning, insisting that the Nyanza region should only field ODM candidates.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga defended Dr Oginga’s leadership, saying his appointment followed the proper procedure through the party’s National Governing Council.
She accused Siaya Governor James Orengo of using public gatherings to spread claims that ODM is dead.
“He does that out of jealousy. He does not like the idea that Dr Oginga is the party leader,” the Homa Bay Governor said.
From left: Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga wait for the arrival of party leader Oburu Oginga at Kanyadhiang Primary School in Karachuonyo Constituency during the homecoming of ceremony of Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo on August 1, 2026.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
Ms Wanga dismissed Mr Orengo’s claim to lead a breakaway party, saying it would fail to attract supporters.
“We don’t know their intentions. But I think their plan is to kill ODM, divide the Luo community and make us weak. This will divide votes in the region,” the governor said.
According to the ODM chairperson, the party joined the broad-based government because of the benefits it stands to gain.
“We supported Uhuru for five years and got nothing. We supported Ruto for less than two years and got a lot. Some people tell us to support Gachagua but we will not,” Ms Wanga said.
“Uhuru was a friend but we did not realise tangible development. Uhuru is an ex. We have Ruto. We have weighed the two. Ruto is more than a friend,” Senator Kajwang said.
