The decision was reached during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Wednesday, where senior party officials resolved to deepen political cooperation with ODM and lay the groundwork for a formal pre-election coalition arrangement.
The talks are expected to define areas of collaboration, shared policy priorities, and the framework for long-term political partnership.
Following the meeting, President Ruto said the move was aimed at strengthening national unity and ensuring political stability as the country moves closer to the next election cycle.
Following the meeting, President Ruto said the move was aimed at strengthening national unity and ensuring political stability as the country moves closer to the next election cycle.
He noted that the discussions would build on the existing cooperation between UDA and ODM under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
According to Ruto, the structured engagement will focus on dialogue, coordination, and consensus-building, with the ultimate goal of formalising a coalition agreement ahead of 2027.
He said the process would help align political priorities and support effective governance during the remainder of the current term.
The resolution comes shortly after ODM announced its own decision to open structured negotiations with other political parties, including UDA.
ODM’s Central Committee made the announcement earlier this week following a meeting in Kilifi County, where party leaders reviewed the party’s internal organisation, political influence, and long-term strategy.
Speaking on behalf of ODM’s leadership, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga said the party had agreed to pursue strategic alliances ahead of the next general election as part of efforts to strengthen its national reach.
Speaking on behalf of ODM’s leadership, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga said the party had agreed to pursue strategic alliances ahead of the next general election as part of efforts to strengthen its national reach.
He added that dialogue with like-minded political formations was necessary to advance stability and inclusive governance.
The growing cooperation between UDA and ODM has been visible over the past year, particularly through the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) recommendations.
The growing cooperation between UDA and ODM has been visible over the past year, particularly through the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) recommendations.
Both parties supported the 10-point agenda adopted in 2024, which sought to address key national concerns including electoral reforms, the cost of living, and political inclusivity.
ODM leaders have also been incorporated into government roles, reinforcing the broad-based governance arrangement that emerged after months of political tension following the 2022 elections.
ODM leaders have also been incorporated into government roles, reinforcing the broad-based governance arrangement that emerged after months of political tension following the 2022 elections.
In addition, UDA and ODM have jointly supported candidates in recent by-elections, a strategy that saw the Kenya Kwanza coalition secure all parliamentary seats contested in the November 2025 polls.
During the NEC meeting, UDA members also received detailed reports from the party’s National Elections Board (NEB) and the Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee.
During the NEC meeting, UDA members also received detailed reports from the party’s National Elections Board (NEB) and the Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee.
The reports covered the outcome of grassroots elections conducted in January across multiple counties.
According to the party, nearly half a million candidates contested more than 230,000 party positions in close to 18,000 polling centres nationwide, with over two million registered members participating.
According to the party, nearly half a million candidates contested more than 230,000 party positions in close to 18,000 polling centres nationwide, with over two million registered members participating.
The leadership said the exercise demonstrated growing engagement at the grassroots level.
The NEC noted that the results reflected increased inclusivity, with women and youth accounting for a significant portion of those elected.
The NEC noted that the results reflected increased inclusivity, with women and youth accounting for a significant portion of those elected.
Party officials said the outcome aligned with UDA’s commitment to broad representation in leadership structures.
However, the NEC directed the NEB to organise repeat elections within 30 days in polling centres where voting was disrupted or turnout was deemed insufficient.
However, the NEC directed the NEB to organise repeat elections within 30 days in polling centres where voting was disrupted or turnout was deemed insufficient.
The party also resolved to roll out ward-level elections and develop a national calendar for member sensitisation and aspirant registration.
Political analysts say the decision to initiate coalition talks so early signals a strategic shift toward long-term alliance-building rather than last-minute negotiations.
Political analysts say the decision to initiate coalition talks so early signals a strategic shift toward long-term alliance-building rather than last-minute negotiations.
They note that a formal UDA-ODM coalition could significantly influence the 2027 race by consolidating support across key voting blocs.
While details of the negotiations are yet to be made public, both parties have indicated that the process will be consultative and structured.
While details of the negotiations are yet to be made public, both parties have indicated that the process will be consultative and structured.
As Kenya’s political landscape continues to evolve, the emerging partnership between UDA and ODM is expected to shape national politics in the lead-up to the next general election.
