UDA, ODM Form Joint Team to Draft Coalition Manifesto Ahead of 2027 Elections

UDA, ODM Form Joint Team to Draft Coalition Manifesto Ahead of 2027 Elections

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have established a joint committee to develop a coalition manifesto ahead of Kenya’s August 2027 General Election, signalling a fresh step in their political partnership.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, UDA said the committee had made progress in drafting the coalition’s proposed commitments, which will be built around President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

The team is expected to identify areas where existing government policies have fallen short, address outstanding challenges and propose measures to accelerate national development.

“The Broad-Based Committee on Manifesto Development, constituted by the Joint Parliamentary Group of the UDA and ODM parties, has made significant progress in drafting the joint coalition’s commitments,” UDA stated.

The party added that the coalition intended to build on the government’s existing record as it prepares for the next election.

“Building on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the coalition heads into the 2027 General Election with a credible track record and a firm resolve to consolidate the gains made so far,” it added.

UDA, ODM Adopt ‘Usawa Ni Sawa’ Philosophy

UDA said the proposed manifesto would also be guided by President Ruto’s Usawa Ni Sawa philosophy, which translates to equity for all.

The party described the principle as central to the coalition’s plan to extend development and economic opportunities to different parts of the country.

“The new coalition manifesto will be anchored on the Usawa Ni Sawa philosophy, accelerating national transformation by building on existing achievements, addressing outstanding challenges, and delivering greater prosperity for every Kenyan,” UDA said.

The manifesto is expected to outline the coalition’s priorities for the next electoral cycle. However, the party’s statement did not provide a detailed list of proposed commitments or indicate when the final document would be released.

The drafting process will be important in determining how the two parties intend to present their shared political and economic agenda to voters.

Ruto Confirms UDA-ODM Coalition Ahead of 2027

The latest development follows months of political engagement between UDA and ODM under the broad-based government arrangement.

In August, the two parties agreed to formally establish a coalition to contest the 2027 General Election, with Ruto expected to seek a second presidential term under the partnership.

The agreement was reached during a joint parliamentary group meeting involving representatives of the two political formations.

“After consultations 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 planned manifesto is expected to provide a common platform for the coalition’s campaign and set out the policies it would pursue if re-elected.

Running Mate Question Remains Unresolved

Despite progress on the manifesto, the coalition faces another major political question: who will serve as Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.

ODM has maintained that it should receive the deputy presidential position if the partnership is to reflect equality between the two parties.

The question could test the strength of the alliance as both sides negotiate their roles and representation within the coalition.

Within the Kenya Kwanza camp, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has maintained that he intends to remain Ruto’s running mate.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru is among other political figures who have publicly expressed interest in deputising the President in the next election.

The competing ambitions have added another dimension to preparations for 2027, even as the parties work on a shared policy document.

Coalition Faces Test Ahead of 2027 Polls

The joint manifesto committee marks a step towards formalising the UDA-ODM partnership beyond the current broad-based government arrangement.

Its eventual proposals will offer voters a clearer picture of the coalition’s priorities on economic growth, public services, regional development and job creation.

However, the coalition’s ability to maintain unity will also depend on how it resolves leadership questions and balances the interests of its constituent parties before the 2027 General Election.

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UDA, ODM Form Joint Team to Draft Coalition Manifesto Ahead of 2027 Elections