Cherargei’s remarks came shortly after UDA’s National Executive Committee (NEC), chaired by President William Ruto, approved a resolution to initiate formal negotiations with ODM.
The talks are expected to lay the groundwork for a structured political partnership that could reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of the next polls.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Wednesday night, the outspoken senator described the decision as historic and necessary for political stability.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Wednesday night, the outspoken senator described the decision as historic and necessary for political stability.
He argued that the move reflects a growing appetite for consensus politics and a broad-based approach to governance.
According to Cherargei, the NEC unanimously endorsed the proposal, signalling strong internal support within the ruling party.
He said the talks aim to strengthen national unity and deepen democratic engagement by bringing together major political formations that have previously been rivals.
While welcoming ODM into negotiations, Cherargei took aim at Sifuna, the ODM Secretary General, whom he accused of consistently opposing the broad-based government arrangement between President Ruto and sections of the opposition.
He warned that Sifuna’s presence in the talks could undermine progress.
“We do not expect Senator Sifuna anywhere near these negotiations,” Cherargei said, describing him as a persistent critic of the political rapprochement between UDA and ODM.
“We do not expect Senator Sifuna anywhere near these negotiations,” Cherargei said, describing him as a persistent critic of the political rapprochement between UDA and ODM.
He added that the talks required goodwill and cooperation, not internal resistance.
Sifuna has in recent months emerged as one of the most vocal ODM leaders opposed to closer ties with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Sifuna has in recent months emerged as one of the most vocal ODM leaders opposed to closer ties with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He has repeatedly argued that ODM risks losing its identity and opposition role by aligning too closely with the government, a position that has resonated with sections of the party’s base.
Despite internal dissent, ODM’s Central Management Committee has already signalled willingness to engage UDA in structured discussions.
Despite internal dissent, ODM’s Central Management Committee has already signalled willingness to engage UDA in structured discussions.
Party leaders have framed the move as an opportunity to influence governance from within and to safeguard national stability amid economic and political challenges.
Cherargei praised the decision by both parties, describing it as a continuation of the late Raila Odinga’s long-standing push for inclusive governance.
Cherargei praised the decision by both parties, describing it as a continuation of the late Raila Odinga’s long-standing push for inclusive governance.
He said the talks honour Odinga’s legacy as a statesman who prioritised dialogue over confrontation.
The NEC resolution mandates President Ruto, as UDA party leader, to establish mechanisms for structured engagement with ODM.
The NEC resolution mandates President Ruto, as UDA party leader, to establish mechanisms for structured engagement with ODM.
These mechanisms are expected to define the scope, leadership, and timelines of the negotiations, as well as key policy areas for collaboration.
