In a statement released on Wednesday, January 14, UDA confirmed that its National Executive Committee (NEC) had endorsed ODM’s proposal to formalise talks aimed at strengthening cooperation within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
According to the party, the discussions are intended to lay the foundation for a possible coalition agreement ahead of the next polls.
“The NEC noted the decision of the ODM Party Central Management Committee to initiate structured negotiations with the UDA Party, within the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, to strengthen the ongoing political partnership and negotiate a coalition agreement ahead of the 2027 General Elections,” the statement read.
The NEC further resolved that President Ruto, who is also the UDA party leader, would take charge of establishing the framework and mechanisms for the negotiations.
“The NEC mandated the UDA Party Leader to establish mechanisms for structured engagement with the ODM Party to achieve the desired outcome,” the statement added.
Growing Political Cooperation
UDA said the move builds on an already expanding partnership between the two parties, which has seen ODM leaders take up roles within the broad-based government.
The party highlighted several milestones achieved through the cooperation, including the adoption of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report of 2024, which has since been tabled in Parliament for legislative implementation.
Other key outcomes cited include the formation of a broad-based administration incorporating ODM members into government, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding based on a 10-point agenda, and the establishment of a bipartisan committee to oversee its implementation.
UDA also pointed to the recent by-elections held on November 27, 2025, where cooperation between the two parties resulted in joint support for candidates, leading to victories in all contested Senate and National Assembly seats.
The confirmation from UDA comes days after ODM announced plans to begin structured talks with other political parties, starting with UDA, as part of its early preparations for the 2027 polls.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 12, ODM’s Central Committee said it had mandated the party leader to spearhead the negotiation process, while simultaneously conducting internal consultations.
“The Committee meeting expressed the intention to initiate structured negotiations with different political formations, beginning with the United Democratic Alliance,” the statement read.
“To this end, we have mandated the Party Leader to commence this process.”
The committee noted that consultations with party members would continue alongside the talks, culminating in a National Delegates Convention.
ODM further acknowledged that with the general election due next year, the party could not afford delays in its preparations.
“The Committee noted that general elections will be held next year and resolved that structured work must commence immediately,” the statement added, citing policy development, organisational readiness, coalition building and candidate preparation as key focus areas.
The committee noted that consultations with party members would continue alongside the talks, culminating in a National Delegates Convention.
ODM further acknowledged that with the general election due next year, the party could not afford delays in its preparations.
“The Committee noted that general elections will be held next year and resolved that structured work must commence immediately,” the statement added, citing policy development, organisational readiness, coalition building and candidate preparation as key focus areas.
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