Oburu Odinga Demands Equitable Power Sharing in Any 2027 Deal With UDA
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has set out clear conditions for any pre-election coalition talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), signalling that negotiations ahead of the 2027 General Election will hinge on equitable power sharing and recognition of ODM’s political strength.
Speaking on Sunday, January 18, during an ODM grassroots mobilisation tour dubbed Linda Ground in Kakamega County, party leader Oburu Odinga said ODM would only enter negotiations that guarantee fair representation in government. He maintained that ODM considers itself the largest political party in the country and therefore expects a commensurate share of power in any coalition arrangement.
“I want to assure you that with your support, as we continue to negotiate with others, we will make sure that ODM, being the largest party in Kenya, gets its fair share of government,” Oburu told supporters. “The broad-based arrangement is just a small thing. We want fair representation in government come 2027. We want to share power.”
Oburu described the current broad-based political arrangement between ODM and the ruling coalition as transitional, stressing that the party’s long-term objective is to secure meaningful influence in government following the next election cycle. His remarks come as both ODM and UDA prepare to initiate formal pre-coalition talks, following approval by their respective central management committees.
The statements are widely viewed as early pressure on President Ruto and UDA, setting firm parameters for negotiations and limiting the scope for ODM to be treated as a junior partner. ODM leaders have repeatedly argued that the party’s nationwide support base entitles it to a significant stake in any future administration.
Backing Oburu’s position, Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed said ODM’s time in opposition should come to an end, arguing that the party was formed to capture power rather than merely hold the government to account.
“The ODM party is not an NGO to push for people’s rights. It was formed with the intention of capturing power,” Junet said. “If you want to form an NGO, go and form your party. The last opposition leader was the late Raila Odinga. Going forward, ODM will be in government.”
Junet also cautioned UDA against encroaching on traditional ODM strongholds, warning that the party would firmly defend its political zones. Similar sentiments have previously been expressed by Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, underscoring growing assertiveness within ODM ranks as coalition talks draw closer.
Political analysts say ODM’s insistence on equitable power sharing is a strategic move aimed at strengthening its bargaining position ahead of 2027. By publicly asserting its status as the country’s largest party, ODM is signalling that it expects negotiations to be conducted on equal footing, rather than under terms dictated by the ruling party.
The demands also echo earlier remarks by Oburu in October 2025, when he suggested that ODM would not accept any coalition deal that did not include a senior executive position, such as the deputy presidency. While he did not outline specific posts during the Kakamega rally, his comments have added another layer of complexity to the anticipated talks.
As Kenya’s political realignments take shape, the evolving relationship between ODM and UDA is expected to play a central role in shaping the 2027 contest. With both parties seeking to consolidate their bases and expand national appeal, the coming months are likely to feature intense negotiations, strategic messaging, and heightened political activity across the country.
ALSO READ: Oburu Oginga Dares ODM Rebels to Quit in Explosive Kibera Rally
Oburu Odinga Demands Equitable Power Sharing in Any 2027 Deal With UDA
