ODM Seeks Equal Power-Sharing Deal With UDA After Oburu–Ruto Talks
Speaking during a roadside rally in Dandora on Sunday, ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said negotiations between the two parties should culminate in a fair division of power and resources ahead of the 2027 General Election
By : Mweru Mbugua
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has reiterated its demand for an equal share of national leadership in its ongoing talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA)
Speaking during a roadside rally in Dandora on Sunday, ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said negotiations between the two parties should culminate in a fair division of power and resources ahead of the 2027 General Election
Wanga noted that ODM leader Oburu Odinga, who is leading discussions with President Ruto, must ensure the party’s interests are fully safeguarded
“Dr Oburu will go into talks with President Ruto and have the ‘cow’ split in the middle. ODM should take half and UDA take the other half,” Wanga said, emphasizing the need for equitable power-sharing
She also sought to downplay internal disagreements within ODM, insisting the party remains united despite differing views on its future political direction following the death of longtime leader Raila Odinga
“If someone like Raila goes, there will be a few squabbles within the party, but we will walk on the same road and speak in one language as a party,” she added
ODM has recently been grappling with internal divisions, largely centered on its relationship with the ruling administration. One faction argues that Raila Odinga’s cooperation with the broad-based government should continue beyond 2027, while another insists the arrangement was temporary and should not define the party’s long-term identity
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Those favoring continued collaboration, including Oburu Odinga, believe alignment with the government offers ODM greater leverage and continuity ahead of the next elections. In contrast, critics many of them younger leaders are pushing for ODM to reclaim its role as an independent opposition party
President Ruto has previously stated that he is aiming for a decisive victory in the 2027 polls, expressing confidence that a potential coalition with ODM could deliver a win by a margin of two to three million votes
As talks continue, the outcome of the ODM–UDA engagement is expected to significantly shape Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the next general election
