President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga have summoned governors, deputy governors and Members of Parliament aligned to the broad-based arrangement for a three-day retreat in Naivasha as the two parties seek to strengthen their working relationship and prepare for the political battles ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The high-level meeting comes as the Kenya Kwanza administration faces sustained attacks from the united opposition and the emerging Linda Mwananchi movement, which have stepped up campaigns aimed at denying Dr Ruto a second and final term.
Sources familiar with the plans said the retreat will provide an opportunity for the leaders to assess the government’s performance, review key achievements and shortcomings, and craft a common political message as the country edges closer to the election period.
The Nation has established that the gathering will also seek to build consensus around ongoing coalition talks between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which are expected to formalise a pre-election alliance.
The two parties have been engaged in discussions on establishing a joint technical committee to negotiate the terms of the coalition, including the sharing of government positions and the selection of Dr Ruto’s running mate.
President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Odinga at the United Democratic Alliance (UDA)-Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Joint Parliamentary Group meeting at the Kenya International Convention Centre, Nairobi.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
ODM has repeatedly indicated that it is ready to nominate its negotiating team, although sources within the party say progress has been slowed by delays on the UDA side.
Despite working together under the broad-based arrangement, UDA and ODM have recently clashed over political zoning and competition for influence in traditional strongholds. The debate over Dr Ruto’s running mate has also generated friction after some ODM leaders publicly backed Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya for the position.
In a letter dated August 4, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed invited MPs allied to the broad-based arrangement to a parliamentary group meeting at Lake Naivasha Resort. The leaders are expected to check in on Sunday and leave on Tuesday.
“This is to inform all members of the broad-based parliamentary group that a meeting has been scheduled to take place in Naivasha, Nakuru County, from August 10 and 11, 2026,” reads the letter.
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga addresses supporters at Kanyadhiang Primary School in Karachuonyo Constituency on August 1, 2026.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
“Parliamentary business and inter-party/coalition affairs will form part of the meeting agenda. A detailed programme and agenda will be circulated separately.”
UDA and ODM have also separately invited their governors and deputy governors to participate in the retreat.
The meeting comes as President Ruto continues to host various political delegations at State House in a bid to consolidate support for his re-election campaign. The rise of the Linda Mwananchi movement, fronted by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders, has injected fresh momentum into the opposition, prompting the President and Dr Oginga to intensify consultations with their allies.
According to Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, ODM MPs associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement have not been invited to the retreat.
Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi confirmed receiving an invitation but said participants were yet to receive the detailed programme.
“I don’t know the agenda, but I guess that will come from the party leaders or from the leadership,” he said.
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
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa described the retreat as an opportunity for leaders to bond and begin shaping the government’s 2027 campaign strategy.
“The meeting is about the 2027 strategy and what kind of messaging we need as the government. Members are expected to share some of the issues their constituents are raising about this administration so that they can be addressed,” he said.
However, he dismissed suggestions that the meeting would discuss Dr Ruto’s running mate, saying it was too early for such deliberations.
Tharaka Nithi Senator Mwenda Gataya also downplayed the political significance of the retreat, saying the primary objective was to strengthen governance and improve coordination within government.
“I don’t think the meeting will be overly focused on politics. We are still working as a government and when the time comes, we shall get into politics,” he said.
Sources told the Nation that Dr Ruto and Dr Oginga also intend to use the meeting to rally support for the planned coalition, amid concerns that some ODM members have remained lukewarm about the arrangement and complained of being excluded from key decisions.
ODM vice-chairperson Millie Odhiambo, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and East African Legislative Assembly member Winnie Odinga are among leaders who have faced criticism from some quarters over their perceived cautious approach to the coalition.
Dr Amollo has rejected claims that he is fence-sitting, insisting he remains faithful to the party’s official position.
“There is nothing like fence-sitting. Those saying one term or two terms are expressing personal opinions which have never been endorsed by any party organ,” he said in a recent interview.
Another sticking point in the coalition negotiations remains political zoning, with ODM pushing for parties to avoid fielding candidates against each other in agreed strongholds, while UDA insists every party should be free to compete. The issue is expected to feature prominently as the two parties seek common ground ahead of the 2027 elections.
