KISUMU, Kenya — September 14, 2026
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati has reiterated that the party expects an equal share of government with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) should the two political formations work together in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during President Ruto’s ongoing development tour of the Nyanza region, Arati said ODM must secure a 50–50 power-sharing arrangement in the next government if the party supports Ruto’s bid for a second term.
“In the 2027 government, we as ODM must get a half share together with Honorable Ruto,” Arati said.
The governor insisted that there should be no compromise on the proposed arrangement, arguing that ODM’s contribution to a potential Ruto re-election should be reflected in the composition of government.
Arati’s remarks come amid increasing political discussions surrounding the relationship between ODM and Ruto’s UDA ahead of the 2027 elections.
The proposed partnership would potentially bring together two major political formations that have historically occupied different sides of Kenya’s political divide.
According to Arati, an agreement between the two sides should go beyond electoral support and include a meaningful distribution of senior government positions.
He has previously indicated that ODM would seek the Deputy President position if Ruto retains the presidential ticket and the two parties formally work together.
The demand for a 50% government share represents a significant political bargaining position for ODM.
For the arrangement to materialise, the two parties would need to negotiate the distribution of key government positions and responsibilities. Such negotiations could become increasingly important as the 2027 election approaches.
Arati's comments also signal that ODM leaders are positioning the party to seek substantial influence rather than simply offering electoral support.
Arati made the remarks while accompanying President Ruto during his development tour of Nyanza.
The President's tour covers Kisumu, Siaya, Migori and Homa Bay counties, where he is inspecting and launching development projects involving roads, water, markets and other public infrastructure.
The political significance of the tour has also attracted attention because Nyanza has traditionally been an important political stronghold for ODM.
If ODM and UDA eventually agree to work together, the question of how power would be shared could become one of the most important issues in the negotiations.
A 50–50 arrangement would effectively seek equal political influence between the two sides, while the demand for key positions could shape the structure of a possible post-2027 government.
For now, Arati's declaration remains a political demand rather than a concluded agreement. The final shape of any ODM-UDA partnership will depend on negotiations, political alliances and the outcome of the 2027 General Election.
As Kenya moves closer to the election, statements such as Arati's are likely to fuel further debate over the country's emerging political alliances and the price of political support.
The 2027 political contest is already taking shape—and ODM's demand for half of the next government could become a major bargaining point.
0 Comments