Oburu: Democracy informed ODM’s decision to work with UDA

Oburu highlighted that these principles informed its decision to engage with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Oburu made the remarks after holding talks with British High Commission Chargé d’Affaires Dr Ed Barnett, who paid him a courtesy call on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The meeting focused on Kenya’s political situation, ODM’s engagement with the government, and the status of the implementation of the 10-Point Agenda agreed between ODM and UDA.

Speaking after the meeting, Oburu said he used the opportunity to underscore ODM’s long-held belief in democracy and peaceful transitions of power.

“I emphasised the party's belief in democratic processes and constitutional change of government, citing these as the core reasons ODM agreed to work with UDA,” he said.

The ODM leader said he briefed the British diplomat on the state of relations between ODM and the ruling party, as well as progress and challenges in implementing the 10-point reform agenda that emerged from the bipartisan talks.

“With the UK, we share a deep belief in democratic processes. We do not want coups and other unconstitutional changes of government. That is what informed our decision to work with the government. We acted to avert chaos, I informed him,” Oburu said.

He also updated Barnett on developments within ODM following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing it as a period of transition for both the party and the country.

During the meeting, Barnett briefed Oburu on the Strategic Partnership between the United Kingdom and Kenya, which was signed in July last year.

According to Oburu, the partnership focuses on several key areas, including growth, trade and investment, climate and nature, science, technology and innovation, security and defence, and migration.

Barnett also conveyed his country’s condolences to the Odinga family and the people of Kenya following the death of Raila Odinga, acknowledging his historical role in Kenya’s democratic journey.

The engagement comes against the backdrop of the 10-Point Agenda, a set of priority reforms agreed between President William Ruto and the late opposition leader Raila Odinga under a Memorandum of Understanding signed on March 7, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

The agenda is linked to the work of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) and was crafted to address political, economic and governance challenges following a period of heightened national tension.

The agenda broadly covers issues such as the cost of living, public debt, corruption, electoral reforms, respect for constitutional rights, devolution, and inclusivity in governance.

Both ODM and UDA committed to jointly pursue the reforms as a way of stabilising the country and restoring public confidence in institutions.