President William Ruto has confirmed that Kenya Kwanza and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have formally agreed to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the Broad-Based Government Principal Group media briefing on Monday, August 10, Ruto said the agreement followed consultations within the two political formations.
The President said the coalition partners will develop a joint manifesto outlining their shared agenda for the 2027 election, formalising the political partnership that has developed under the broad-based government.
“After consultations and within our respective parties and formations, the Kenya Kwanza and Orange Democratic Movement have today formally resolved to develop a joint manifesto for the next election and constitute a coalition to contest the 2027 General Election,” Ruto said.
The two sides have already formed a joint technical team comprising representatives from both political formations to prepare the manifesto, which will later be presented to Kenyans.
ODM has nominated Isaac Waluke, Mariam Abdulahi Mbaruk, Leonida Kerubo Omosa, Kari Orege and Benard Muok, who will serve as an ex officio member.
Kenya Kwanza has nominated Emmanuel Nzai, Dr Daniel Mwai, Bramwel Simiyu and Dr Cecilia Ng’etich, with UDA Executive Director Nicodemus Bore serving as an ex officio member.
Ruto said the team will not simply prepare a political document but will develop a manifesto based on areas of common ground between Kenya Kwanza and ODM.
The document will also take into account ideas and priorities raised by Kenyans through the national conversation on Kenya Beyond Vision 2030, as well as the National Development Charter expected to emerge from the process.
“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,” Ruto said.
The technical team will identify common priorities, harmonise areas requiring consensus and develop practical policies addressing economic, social and governance issues ahead of the 2027 elections.
A separate team will also be established to draft the coalition framework, governance structures and leadership arrangements. Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga will each nominate five members to the team, with the work expected to begin immediately.
Speaking during the briefing, Oburu defended ODM’s decision to join the Kenya Kwanza coalition, insisting that the party entered the arrangement from a position of strength rather than weakness.
The Siaya Senator maintained that ODM remains one of Kenya’s largest political parties, with structures extending to grassroots polling stations across the country.
Oburu also recalled that the late Raila Odinga was ODM leader when the broad-based government arrangement was initiated, describing his death as unfortunate.
He further pointed to areas of policy convergence between the two parties, including affordable housing and universal health coverage.
Oburu dismissed suggestions that ODM would be absorbed by Kenya Kwanza, saying Ruto welcomed the party because of its numbers, structures and political influence.
“And President Ruto has also welcomed ODM with two hands because he knows that ODM not only brings numbers, but it brings quality. So I want to say that as we move on forward, those who thought that ODM was going to be swallowed, they should re-think,” Oburu said.
The formalisation of the coalition marks a major political development ahead of the 2027 General Election, bringing together President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza alliance and the party that was previously a leading opposition force.