Jitters in Kenya Kwanza as ODM, UDA deal looms

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya party and other Kenya Kwanza affiliates have expressed confidence in the looming UDA-ODM coalition deal despite unease in the ruling alliance.

Wetang’ula said they do not feel threatened and were among Kenya Kwanza partners who encouraged President William Ruto to reach out to Raila Odinga, the then ODM leader.

This is despite concerns that the entry of ODM could create casualties as Ruto accommodates new political interests.

On Wednesday, Wetang’ula welcomed the move, terming ODM’s onboarding a “wonderful idea” that allows more Kenyans to walk together.

He described the talks as laudable and a continuation of the broad-based arrangement under which Raila exited his party.

“As Ford Kenya and myself, I am already a partner of UDA. If my partner UDA is talking to another potential partner who will come and make us bigger, why would it worry me? It should make me happy. Politics is a game of numbers,” Wetang’ula said.

“When our numbers grow, we feel more comfortable and confident.”

The position was echoed by Ford Kenya secretary general John Chikati.

The Tongaren MP told the Star the deal would strengthen the ruling alliance and give it an edge over the opposition in the 2027 election.

He said that even with ODM’s entry, Ford Kenya’s stake remains secure.

“We still have a lot of room and if ODM comes in, it will be very good because that makes us stronger as we head into the election,” Chikati said.

“We have a very good relationship with ODM and UDA. We wish more could come on board.”

Asked whether they feared a reduced stake, Chikati said their space was secured and their claim in government already stated.

“What we will have is brotherly competition or friendly fire,” he said.

Pamoja African Alliance secretary general Kenneth Kazungu, the Ganze MP, said the party was yet to make a decision.

“We are still consulting as a party and we will give a presser over the matter,” Kazungu said.

However, even as Ford Kenya projects confidence, disquiet is emerging in UDA.

ODM acting party leader Senator Oburu Oginga said the deputy presidency is the party’s irreducible minimum in the talks.

However, UDA leaders from Mt Kenya East have warned that dropping Deputy President Kithure Kindiki would have consequences.

In November last year, eight MPs from the region expressed dissatisfaction with ODM’s push for a deal that could see one of its leaders become Ruto’s running mate.

They warned that dropping Kindiki in 2027 would alienate Ruto’s Mt Kenya East support base.

The legislators were Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East), John Mutunga (Tigania West), Dan Kiili (Igembe Central), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), Shadrack Mwiti (South Imenti), Dorothy Muthoni (nominated) and Karambu Kailemia (Woman Representative).

“Mt Kenya East is fully behind the President, but our support stands because of Kindiki. For many years, our region has supported others for top seats. Now that we finally have one of our own, why should anyone start feeling greedy?” Rindikiri said.

Aburi said they would not relinquish the slot.

“Let our brothers from the Lake region forget this seat. It belongs to Mt Kenya East and we will defend it come rain or sunshine,” he said.

The unease surfaced during the UDA National Governing Council meeting on Monday.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, also the UDA chairperson, praised Ruto’s choice of Kindiki and argued for his retention.

Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana warned that the talks should not disadvantage loyal UDA members.

“We the children of the house are very worried because sometimes the people who have been in the house tend to be sidelined when the other children from outside come inside,” Mungatana said.

“Inasmuch as we support you, please remember the children of the house.”

He cited Cabinet, Principal Secretary, parastatal and diplomatic appointments that he said had gone to ODM-linked figures and allies of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“When we see nice ministries and other things going to the other side, people worry. They don’t tell you, but they worry,” he said.

Political analyst Dennis Mwangi said Ruto is likely to reassess alliances ahead of 2027 based on political realities and value.

“Coming to 2027, President Ruto will be renewing partnerships based on the realities of the day and the value each party brings to the table,” Mwangi said.