ODM Denies Plans To Strike 2027 Coalition Deal With UDA: "Word On Street Should Remain On Streets"

• The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has denied rumours of a coalition with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA), dismissing it as street talk
• ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati hinted at the possibility of partnering with Ruto for national unity following the inclusion of ODM members in the Cabinet
• Local reports speculated that Ruto might attempt to win over Raila Odinga's strongholds as part of a potential political alliance ahead of the 2027 elections
• ODM reaffirmed its national presence and strong foundation, urging people to disregard rumours of a merger with UDA

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has denied planning to form a coalition with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance Party (UDA).

On Saturday, August 24, ODM's new deputy party leader and Kisii governor, Simba Arati, said the Raila Odinga-led party was ready to partner with the president going forward, especially after he entrusted some of the Orange party's ranking lieutenants with Cabinet slots.

Arati observed that Ruto's resolution to include part of the opposition in the National Executive in his broad-based Executive approach was a step in the right direction toward national unity.

He hinted at partnering with Ruto and forming a powerful coalition in the 2027 vote, should the circumstances allow.

Is ODM getting into a deal with UDA?

A local daily has since reported that before Raila departs for AUC campaigns, Ruto will kick-start a push to inherit his constituency, which the ODM founder has held in a stranglehold for 19 years.

The paper reported that the deal between Raila and Ruto might be Kenya's biggest political marriage, the reception of which was held at State House and attended by three presidents.

According to the publication, word on the street was that ODM and UDA would merge to form a formidable alliance ahead of the 2027 General Election.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, August 28, the Orange party stated that they have a following across the country.

The party dismissed claims of the alleged plot, advising anybody pushing the agenda to let it remain a rumour in the street.

"ODM is built on a strong foundation. It is solid and its pillars can be felt across the country. Therefore any word on the street should only remain on streets," read the statement.

Why is Ruto now a 'good' man to ODM leaders?

Earlier, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi sparked controversy by expressing support for Ruto's administration.

Atandi, a close ally of Raila, revealed that their opposition to Ruto was due to the exclusion of ODM leaders from the government.

He noted that with ODM leaders now appointed to key positions, opposing Ruto's government had become challenging.

Speaking in his local dialect, Atandi received cheers from the crowd as he explained the shift in support for Ruto.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke