President William Ruto has confirmed that the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will formally unite to contest the 2027 General Election.

• The two political formations will develop a joint manifesto outlining their shared agenda.
• Key figures include President William Ruto, representing Kenya Kwanza, and implied leadership from the ODM.
• A joint team with representatives from both Kenya Kwanza and ODM has been established to create the manifesto.

The Kenya Kwanza coalition and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have formed a joint 10-member team to draft a common manifesto for the 2027 general election.

• The team will consist of five representatives from each political formation.
• The initiative was announced by President William Ruto.
• A second team of 10 members will also be formed to develop the coalition's framework agreement.

President William Ruto and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga have agreed to form joint committees to negotiate a coalition agreement and power-sharing framework for the 2027 General Election.

• Two five-member committees will be established: one to draft a joint manifesto and another to work on power-sharing structures.
• The decision follows a high-level retreat at the Lake Naivasha Resort.
• President Ruto assured the country of peaceful and fair elections in 2026.

High-profile Mt Kenya leaders, including Governors Irungu Kangata and Kimani Wamatangi, notably skipped a crucial three-day joint UDA-ODM leadership retreat in Naivasha. The meeting, chaired by President Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Odinga, aimed to establish a power-sharing coalition and outline the 2027 political roadmap.

• Key political figures from the Mt Kenya region who supported President William Ruto's 2022 election were absent.
• The retreat was intended to formalize a coalition framework between UDA and ODM, with discussions on the 2027 running mate position being a major challenge.
• Despite the absences, President Ruto expressed confidence that a coalition between UDA and ODM would secure victory in the next general election.