ODM leaders demand equal power-sharing deal with UDA in 2027 talks

ODM leaders during the ODM Youth Convention 2026 at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi, on April 20, 2026. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

ODM leaders have insisted that their union with UDA will only be tenable if they share power equally in 2027. 

ODM deputy party leaders Abdulswamad Nassir and Simba Arati said that they will also demand the deputy president slot and one of the Speaker positions to ensure full inclusion in the next government. 

The leaders who were speaking at the ODM Kilifi County youth convention in Malindi town, Kilifi County, hit out at DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua over claims of attacking Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho.

“We will field candidates in all positions from MCA to president as ODM before we go for the talks and I want to thank President Ruto for reigning in UDA leaders who were disrespecting us,” said Arati.

Among the leaders present were ODM chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Governors Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi), Paul Otwoma (Busia), Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi, Kaloleni MP Paul Katana and several senators and MCAs.

Ms Wanga insisted that they will go for 50 per cent share of the government if their partnership with UDA sails through.

“We are entering the negotiation table with our friends in UDA and you know ODM is the largest party in the region. We are going there as equal partners so that we get 50 per cent of the government and Joho fits the bill,” said Wanga.

Party leader Oburu Oginga was absent during the convention.

Joho exuded confidence of clinching the DP slot, saying that in 2032 he will vie for president and serve Kenyans.

“I saw recently the United Opposition leaders led by Gachagua mentioning my name somewhere and I want to caution him that he should first respond to allegations of defrauding his late brother’s family of their properties,” he said.

Mung’aro said that he had managed to unite the coastal region, working in collaboration with Joho and Nassir.

“We have been divided as a party for a long time but now we are walking as one and you recently saw us meet as region’s leaders to chart our political path,” he said.

Barasa urged youth to join ODM in large numbers saying that it was the party of the future.

“I want to urge the youth to be in ODM so that we can move the country together as a party,” he said.