2027 plans? UDA SG Omar holds talks with ODM's Ong'wen

ODM clarified that the discussions centered on “national and mutual interests,”

by JAMES MBAKA

News25 April 2025 - 15:54

In Summary

Tensions have been fueled by sharp criticism of the Ruto-Raila deal by prominent ODM leaders.
Sources indicate that the meeting between Omar and Ong’wen may be part of early groundwork for a possible coalition.

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar held talks with ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen on April 25 at Chungwa House, signaling a possible 2027 political partnership.

The meeting comes amid growing unease within the broad-based government following conflicting remarks from top ODM officials.

Tensions have been fueled by sharp criticism of the Ruto-Raila deal by prominent ODM leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

This comes despite the cooperation agreement signed between UDA and ODM on March 7, which some suspect could evolve into a formal alliance ahead of the 2027 general election—a move facing resistance from certain quarters within ODM.

Sources indicate that the meeting between Omar and Ong’wen may be part of early groundwork for a possible coalition.

However, ODM clarified that the discussions centered on “national and mutual interests,” including the NADCO report and the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties.

“They agreed to ensure that the pertinent issues raised by Kenyans are resolved and that the ten points outlined in the MoU are implemented to the letter, to avoid backlash and mistrust,” a joint statement noted.

On its part, UDA said the talks were part of broader consultations to “build synergies” and reinforce the foundation of the Broad-based Government (BBG).

In a statement on X, UDA emphasized that the discussions aimed to identify policy convergence between UDA and ODM, and to align government programs and interventions with the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report and the MoU.

Also present at the meeting were Sebastian Mwangangi, Special Advisor to the UDA Secretary General, and Jarred Omachi, ODM’s Acting Director of Membership.

The meeting comes amid uncertainty in ODM over its 2027 strategy. While some party officials suggest ODM may form a coalition with UDA, others maintain the party will field its own presidential candidate.

On April 6, Raila Odinga firmly stated in Mombasa that ODM would have its own candidate, further throwing the party into more confusion.

“When the election comes in 2027, ODM will field its presidential candidate,” he declared