The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has toughened its stance in ongoing pre-election coalition discussions with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), insisting on a 50–50 power-sharing arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking at a rally in Dandora, Embakasi North, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga made it clear that the party will not sign any coalition agreement that does not guarantee equal participation in government. She said ODM is prepared to walk away from talks that fail to meet this threshold.
Wanga also announced that ODM will field candidates for all elective seats in Nairobi County, including the gubernatorial race, as part of efforts to strengthen its political grip in the capital. According to her, decisions on the presidency will only be made after coalition negotiations with UDA are concluded. Beyond power-sharing, Wanga said ODM is pushing for the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, describing it as a key pillar of the bipartisan agenda agreed upon by President Ruto and the late ODM leader Raila Odinga. She further called for compensation for families of those killed during recent protests, stressing that justice for victims remains a central demand in ODM’s engagement with the government.
Earlier in the day, ODM leaders echoed the same message while attending a church service at St Peter’s Enocha Legio Maria Mission in Dandora, reiterating the party’s intention to contest every seat in Nairobi — from Member of County Assembly to Governor in the 2027 elections. However, divisions have emerged within ODM over the timing and direction of the coalition talks. Speaking separately in Got Kabindi, Masana, South Maragoli in Vihiga County, ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi described the negotiations with UDA as premature.
Osotsi warned that committing to a coalition too early could politically disadvantage ODM, noting that alliances remain fluid with more than a year to the elections. He cautioned that early agreements could leave the party vulnerable to shifting political dynamics. He further insisted that ODM must field its own presidential candidate in the 2027 race, arguing that the party cannot afford to abandon contesting the top seat as part of any coalition deal.
