Members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have called for renewed talks with President William Ruto , signalling a desire to renegotiate power-sharing arrangements ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Senior Orange party figures say there are key issues they wish to discuss with the Head of State before the 2027 General Election. Some of the issues include State appointments to members of Oburu Oginga–led party.
ODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed said: “We cannot sit back without a plan simply because we are in a broad-based government.”
The Suna East MP noted that despite not supporting President Ruto in the 2022 election, the Kenya Kwanza administration had appointed several Orange party members into key government positions.
These include Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi (Treasury), Hassan Joho (Blue Economy), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy).
However, ODM says this is not enough. Now, the party is seeking structured engagement with the President aimed at securing more government appointments.
He warned that ODM might withhold its support for Kenya Kwanza in the 2027 campaigns if its proposals are ignored, a move he said could affect President Ruto’s re-election bid.
“We did not vote for President Ruto, yet the Kenya Kwanza administration appointed six of our members to the Cabinet. If they want our votes in 2027, they must table their proposals,” Mr Mohamed said.
He dismissed claims by some leaders who have told their constituents that ODM has no option but to support Dr Ruto unconditionally.
“We must engage in talks before the election. Anyone saying ODM will go into an election without negotiations does not speak for the party,” he added.
Mr Mohamed, who was speaking at former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo’s home on Sunday, was accompanied by ODM deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi, national chairperson Gladys Wanga, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, and nominated Senator Catherine Mumma, among other party officials.
On March 7, 2025, Kenya Kwanza and ODM signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at fostering political cooperation.
Seven months later, following the death of Mr Odinga in October, ODM leaders said that supporting the government did not mean they had agreed with every aspect of the coalition arrangement.
Mr Mohamed said ODM remains a national party. He added that party supporters appreciate the working relationship with President Ruto’s UDA.
“ODM has a large support base that can influence the outcome of the presidential election. We must sit down with the President and talk ahead of 2027. We need a proper engagement before moving forward,” Mr Mohamed said.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga (second right) and Secretary-General Edwin Watenya Sifuna address members of the press in Nairobi on October 27, 2025.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
He added that ODM’s engagement would be limited to Kenya Kwanza, noting that the party had not considered involving impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in its 2027 political plans.
ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga rubbished claims that the party would collapse following the death of Mr Odinga.
“ODM will remain strong. What makes a party strong is its members. I urge them not to lose hope but to strengthen the party by promoting unity,” said the Homa Bay Governor.
Ms Wanga said ODM’s support for a broad-based government was driven by the desire to ensure that previously marginalised regions benefit from national development. She said that the party was preparing for a fresh round of talks with President Ruto.
“We must know what is in store for us. We will present our proposals, and UDA must do the same. We will not go into an election without a clear plan,” she said.
She added that ODM’s proposals to the Head of State would include a detailed outline of benefits earmarked for each region.
“We will form a new government, but only after agreeing on how we move forward together,” Ms Wanga said.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
“We must be consulted on coalition formation,” said the Vihiga Senator.
“The broad-based government and the ten-point agenda are inseparable because they directly affect the people,” he added.
