ODM-UDA Coalition Gets Boost as Western Kenya Governors Endorse Ruto’s Reelection Bid
Governors from four counties in Kenya’s western region have given the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Central Management Committee the green light to engage in structured negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over a potential coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.
On Wednesday, January 14, 2025, the four governors, led by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, also declared their support for President William Ruto’s reelection, citing the need for political stability and sustained development across the country.
Barasa was joined by Vihiga Governor Wilbur Otichillo, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma.
“We support the decision of the CEC committee. We want to consolidate our people so that in 2027 we can have all leaders in elective positions, from Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to the president, elected under the ODM-UDA coalition,” Barasa stated.
“We are in the broad-based government under the leadership of President William Ruto, and that remains our priority,” Otuoma added.
Lusaka, for his part, called on leaders to unite behind Ruto’s UDA, emphasizing regional cohesion.
“As a region, we will remain together politically and economically. My duty is to work with all leaders from this region and bring everyone together to give President William Ruto a second term,” Lusaka said.
The four leaders noted that presenting a united political front would allow western Kenya to effectively drive its development agenda and secure stronger representation at the national level.
This regional endorsement follows ODM leader Oburu Oginga’s announcement on Monday, January 10, 2025, that the party will begin formal negotiations with other political groups, starting with the UDA.
Oginga chaired the Kilifi meeting, which included extensive internal discussions covering the party’s ten-point agenda and resolving internal differences within ODM.
“The committee meeting expressed the intention to initiate structured negotiations with different political formations, beginning with the United Democratic Alliance,” the ODM Central Committee stated in a press release.
