President William Ruto has said his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will engage in what he termed a “friendly fire” during the 2027 General Election as part of efforts to strengthen democracy.
The President’s remarks could suggest that UDA will likely not consider zoning, a political deal where parties in a coalition opt not to field candidates in each other’s strongholds in lower-level seats.
He reaffirmed the Broad-Based Government’s commitment to national unity and equitable distribution of development projects across the country, saying political competition between the two parties would not undermine their cooperation.
“Under the Broad-Based Government, we have agreed the country is more important than any single political party, any formation or any leader. We are not in the broad-based arrangement for positions or self-interests but because of the people of Kenya,” said Dr Ruto. “Leaders in UDA and ODM have a historical opportunity to ensure the country is united.”
He added: “The transformation of this country has been delayed for a very long time because of division and small minds.”
Dr Ruto said ongoing negotiations between UDA and ODM would pave the way for healthy competition in the next General Election, with each party fielding candidates in all elective positions except the presidency.
“The political pact negotiations between UDA and ODM are at an advanced stage. The parties will enjoy a friendly fire in the next polls but we will remain on course. Wherever either party wins, we will celebrate together. We will also accommodate losers in the government,” said President Ruto.
He was speaking on Saturday at Mashuru Village in Kajiado County during a mammoth ODM-themed thanksgiving ceremony for Justice, Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs Principal Secretary Judy Pareno, held amid heavy downpours.
Ms Pareno is among ODM stalwarts appointed to various government positions under the Broad-Based arrangement following the political pact between President Ruto and the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.
He added that the electorate would have an opportunity to assess his administration’s scorecard in 2027.
The President criticised the United Opposition, accusing it of promoting divisive politics for selfish gain rather than national prosperity.
“The ODM of the broad-based arrangement is different from our competitors. We believe in national unity, but they thrive on divisive and tribal politics that do not have a place in a modern society,” added President Ruto.
On development, the President said his administration was implementing flagship projects across the country, including affordable housing, markets and major infrastructure works. He noted that Kajiado County had been allocated Sh28 billion for the construction of 13 markets, affordable housing projects and a major boys’ hostel.
“Some of the major flagship projects across the country are complete while others are underway. In Kajiado County, Sh28 billion has been allocated for various projects. We are also addressing historical land injustices affecting the Maa community,” he added.
Principal Secretary Pareno rallied the Maa community to support the Broad-Based Government, saying it had benefited from key development projects, appointments and efforts to resolve historical land injustices.
“Baba (Raila Odinga) was always right. He left us in government because he meant well for this country. ODM is in the safe hands of President Ruto,” said Ms Pareno.
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku urged residents of Maa counties to re-elect President Ruto in 2027 as a gesture of gratitude, particularly for returning Amboseli National Park to the community through the devolved unit.
“We have seen positive gestures in your government. As a token of our gratitude to your administration, we owe you our support in the 2027 polls,” said Governor Lenku.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi steered clear of politics but lauded the Broad-Based Government for policies aimed at equitable resource distribution, especially in rural areas.
“Under your policies, my ministry continues to connect many rural homes to the national grid. At least Sh1.6 billion has been allocated to light more homes in Kajiado,” he said.
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina dismissed claims of divisions within ODM, saying the party was negotiating with UDA as an equal partner.
“ODM is not partnering with UDA as a subordinate but as an equal partner to form the next government. ODM will never again be in the opposition cold,” said Ole Kina.
Nominated Senator Peris Tobiko urged the President to address infrastructural development imbalances within the five Nairobi Metropolitan counties, arguing that Kajiado had been sidelined.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed sought to dispel claims by the Linda Mwananchi faction that ODM members serving in President Ruto’s administration were doing so in their personal capacity, insisting they had Raila Odinga’s approval.
He claimed that had Raila been alive, 60 per cent of President Ruto’s administration would comprise ODM members.
“In the inclusivity of the 10-point agenda, President Ruto expanded his administration in agreement with Raila Odinga to include ODM members who are serving in various capacities. Under the Broad-Based Government, we have witnessed economic inclusivity, especially in the Nyanza region,” said Mohamed.
He added: “The ODM party will field candidates in all elective posts apart from the presidential candidate. We want ODM to have a better stake in the next administration.”
Other leaders present included Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris, Dogoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, Kajiado West MP George Sunkuyia, Kajiado East MP Kakuta Maimai, Kajiado Central MP Elijah Memusi, Kajiado South MP Samuel Parashina, Turkana North MP Paul Ekwom Nabuin, Kajiado Woman Representative Leah Sankaire and ODM Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo, among other MCAs from various counties.
