President William Ruto has dismissed fears that UDA would short-change ODM in their coalition negotiations ahead of the 2027 polls, insisting that the parties are equal partners.
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Speaking during a service at ACK St Michael's & All Angels Cathedral in Bondo, Ruto emphasised his commitment to the coalition, which he described as a “relationship of equals” with a “win-win outcome” for both parties.
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“The party of ODM under the leader and the leadership of ODM, I committed that I’m going to be faithful to our commitment,” Ruto said.
ODM boss Oburu Oginga, who spoke shortly before the President at the same event, reiterated that ODM is seeking its fair share of the coalition’s political spoils.
“As we prepare, we want to negotiate so that we can have something that we deserve. We don’t want something from the mountain. We just want our share as ODM,” he said.
The Siaya senator said the party was preparing a negotiating team to engage with the President’s UDA.
“We shall be coming through the front door because this time we came through the window,” Oburu said.
The leaders spoke at a time when Oburu has been receiving criticism over what critics term rushed coalition negotiations.
Both leaders used the occasion to push back against critics of the broad-based government and the coalition’s 10-point agenda, a framework launched last year to steer development and governance reforms.
President Ruto said a detailed report on the progress of the agenda would be presented to the public on Tuesday.
“We are going to tell the citizens of our nation what we have achieved as a broad-based organisation. We welcome the noisemakers and the naysayers, and those in between, to come and listen to us. We know where we want to take this country,” Ruto said.
He highlighted strides made in devolution, inclusion, anti-corruption measures, government efficiency and managing challenges arising from public demonstrations.
Oburu supported the President’s assessment, noting that despite public scepticism, significant progress has been made.
“We have gone through that report with the President. We have seen that there is a lot of progress that has been made, yet some people claim there is zero progress in the 10-point agenda.
“They don’t take the time to go through the details and see what has been implemented and what has not,” he said.
A faction of ODM led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been faulting the government over what they term the non-implementation of the 10-point agenda.
Oburu said ODM remains committed to the broad-based arrangement.
He emphasised that ODM supporters have resolved to back Ruto’s re-election in the 2027 general election.
“Our people are happy. If they are happy with you, you see it in their faces. If not, you also feel it. Our people were not born to be in opposition forever. Let others taste opposition; we have been there long enough,” he said.
Ruto said the country’s political landscape must move beyond ethnic politics and division.
“The politics of ethnicity, division and exclusion must come to an end. The last elections in 2022 were not about ethnicities or regions; they were about issues that affect our nation and our people in equal measure,” he said.
Ruto further warned the opposition against what he termed insults and name-calling, adding that the electorate would judge leaders by their track record and agenda in 2027.
“Those who use political platforms to insult others, call names and drive wedges between people will be in for a very rude shock,” he said.
“The people of Kenya will judge all of us on our track record: what we promised, what we delivered and what we stand for going forward.”
Speaking at the event, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi praised the teamwork in implementing key development programmes, including NADCO.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga highlighted the political and developmental gains achieved so far.
“We are on a journey, and that journey is to Canaan. But we have concluded that as we head to Canaan, we will pass through Singapore,” Wanga said.
“We are walking it without regret. Many have doubted us, claiming we are men of the stomach, but there is much to show for this partnership,” she added.
The event also had a reflective moment led by Ida Odinga, the widow of Raila Odinga, who urged leaders and citizens alike to leave a legacy worth remembering.
“As you live in this world, you must leave a mark that even if you go, there is something that you will be remembered for,” she said.
Later, the President attended the homecoming of Health Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga in Rarieda constituency.
Earlier, Ruto launched the Siaya Community Digital Hub in the same constituency.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
President William Ruto and ODM’s Oburu Oginga affirmed that UDA and ODM are equal partners in their coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, dismissing fears of marginalisation. Speaking in Bondo, they emphasised fair negotiations, progress on the coalition’s 10-point agenda and commitment to inclusive governance. Ruto urged an end to ethnic politics, warning the opposition against insults, while Oburu highlighted ODM’s support for Ruto’s re-election. Leaders and party officials showcased achievements in development programmes, devolution and anti-corruption, signalling a united front despite public scepticism.
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