President William Ruto has signalled the possibility of a future political arrangement between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking in Migori County on Wednesday, December 17, he stated that ODM needed to consolidate its internal structures and leadership so that it could engage UDA from a position of strength.
Ruto noted that such preparedness would allow both parties to meet and agree on the future direction of the country’s leadership.
"The ODM Party must get its act together and stand firm; we need a strong ODM so that we can jointly plan the leadership of Kenya. Once you organise and strengthen ODM, I will organise UDA so that we meet at that point and form a government through mutual agreement," he said.
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Ruto's pronouncement comes months after he once again hinted at a possible partnership with ODM ahead of the 2027 General Election to form the next government.
Speaking during Raila Odinga's funeral on Sunday, October 19, Ruto said he would not stand by and watch the ODM party crumble under political divisions.
The Head of State urged politicians seeking to destabilize the party to desist.
"By the grace of God, ODM will either form the government or be part of the next government. What I cannot allow, out of respect for Raila, and I will do everything I can with God’s help, is for those who want to destroy the ODM party and go play opposition politics outside. That will not happen," he said.
Days earlier, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi had declared that the ODM Party will remain in government until 2027 and beyond.
Speaking on Friday, October 17, Wandayi affirmed that the late ODM leader Raila Odinga entrusted them to continue working within the government led by President William Ruto.
"Baba has left us in government led by President Ruto and that is where we are going to stay till the end. I can dare say with no fear of contradiction that we shall walk step by step with President Ruto to the end, now and beyond 2027," he said.
However, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi took issue with Wandayi's statement, urging him to focus on mourning Raila instead of making political declarations.
"It is not proper for some ODM leaders to come to Baba’s funeral crying that Raila Odinga left Nyanza people in the government. Let us mourn first, then tell us where he left you.
"And if indeed he left you in the government, why should you shout at the top of your voices? I thought when Baba says left, it’s left; right, it’s right. It should flow smoothly," he said.
