President William Ruto has announced that the Kenya Kwanza and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have formally agreed to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Monday, August 10, he said the decision followed consultations within the respective parties and would provide a framework for the two sides to work together in the 2027 election.
"After consultations within our respective parties and formations, the Kenya Kwanza and the ODM have today formally resolved to develop a joint manifesto for the next election and constitute a coalition to contest the 2027 general election together," he said.
Ruto said the coalition would build on the cooperation between Kenya Kwanza and ODM in government and provide a common political platform for the next phase of the country's development.
"This formalizes the political partnership we have built and gives it a clear mandate to consolidate the progress we have made, carry the reforms underway to completion, and present to the people of Kenya a common program for the next phase of our national transformation.
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"What began as cooperation in government will become a common political platform upon which we shall seek the mandate of the Kenyan people in August next year," he added.
Ruto said the two parties had agreed to establish a joint team comprising five members from each side to prepare the manifesto that will be presented to voters during the 2027 election.
"Accordingly, we have agreed to establish a joint team comprising 5 members from each party to develop a common manifesto that we shall place before the Kenyan people in the 2027 election," he further said.
According to Ruto, ODM has nominated Isaac Wanuge, Mariam Mbaruk, Leonida Kerubo and Prof Benard Muok to the joint team, with the ODM Executive Director serving as an ex officio member.
On the other hand, Kenya Kwanza has nominated Emmanuel Nzai, Dr Daniel Mwai, Bramwel Simiyu and Dr Cecilia Ng’etich, with the UDA Executive Director serving as an ex officio member.
Ruto said the team would be expected to develop a manifesto that reflects the shared priorities of the two political formations while incorporating views and aspirations raised by Kenyans.
"Their task is not simply to produce a political document; the manifesto will draw from our shared values and priorities while being informed by the aspirations, ideas, and priorities expressed by Kenyans," he noted.
Earlier Monday, Ruto led the Joint Broad-Based Coalition Parliamentary Group meeting in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
The meeting brought together leaders from the Kenya Kwanza and ODM camps for discussions on the partnership between the two political formations.
The meeting was attended by a host of leaders, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, ODM leader Oburu Oginga, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro.
Also present were Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Governors, senators and MPs from both UDA and ODM also attended the meeting, led by their respective Secretary Generals Hassan Omar and Catherine Omanyo.
Speaking during the meeting, Ruto said the broad-based camp must win the 2027 General Election.
He argued that the broad-based team must secure victory, not for the benefit of individual leaders, but for the sake of the country.
"We must win the next election. By God's grace, we must win the next election, Insha'Allah. Not for your sake but for the sake of Kenya, because the alternative is difficult to fathom," he further said.
Ruto warned that losing the election to the united opposition would be dangerous for the country.
"We have no choice because the alternative, I shudder. A group of people who have no plan, no agenda, no policy, no vision is too dangerous for Kenya," he stated.
Ruto also hinted at the possibility of ODM and UDA forming a broad-based coalition which they will use to seek power in 2027.
"Azimio was a coalition, so what is the problem? Will broad-based become another miracle? It will become a coalition, just as we have done others, and we will agree on how we will move forward together," he explained.
