President William Ruto has announced that Kenya Kwanza and the Orange Democratic Movement have put aside their political differences and come together as one coalition.
The two political powerhouses made their intentions clear during the Broad-Based Government Principal Group media briefing that took place on Monday, August 10, 2026.
This move marks a significant shift in Kenyan politics, bringing together two major political formations that have been at different ends of the political spectrum.
Speaking at the event, President Ruto explained that the agreement came after thorough consultations within both parties and their respective political formations.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the political establishment, signalling a united front heading into the 2027 General Election.
ODM Leader Emphasizes Party Strength
Raila Odinga, the ODM party leader, took the opportunity to address concerns from various quarters about the merger. He made it crystal clear that the Orange Democratic Movement did not join this coalition out of desperation or weakness.
Instead, Odinga insisted that ODM remains Kenya's largest political party with structures that reach all the way to grassroots polling stations across the country.
The ODM boss reminded Kenyans that the late Raila Odinga was leading the party when the broad-based government arrangement began. He highlighted ODM's alignment with Kenya Kwanza on critical policy issues, particularly in areas like housing and universal health coverage.
Odinga defended the position taken by both parties, noting that President Ruto has welcomed ODM warmly because of its strong membership base and the quality of ideas it brings to the table.
Joint Manifesto in the Works
The two political formations have committed to developing a joint manifesto that will outline their shared agenda for the next election. This document will not be just another political paper filled with empty promises.
According to President Ruto, the manifesto will be anchored on the shared values and priorities between Kenya Kwanza and ODM while drawing heavily from the aspirations Kenyans have expressed through the Kenya Beyond Vision 2030 national conversation.
The manifesto will also reflect ideas and priorities that emerge from the National Development Charter, which is expected to provide a roadmap for national development.
Ruto emphasised that this is not simply a matter of putting together political documents. Instead, it represents a genuine effort to harmonise the ideas and priorities of both formations while ensuring that any policies crafted address the real economic, social, and governance concerns of ordinary Kenyans.
Technical Teams Get Down to Work
To make this partnership work on the ground, both parties have established two separate technical teams with clear mandates. The first team, comprising representatives from each side, has been tasked with developing a joint manifesto. This document will be presented to the people of Kenya before the elections.
ODM has nominated Isaac Waluke, Mariam Abdulahi Mbaruk, Leonida Kerubo Omosa, Kari Orege, and Benard Muok to represent the party on this team. Muok is serving as an ex officio member.
Kenya Kwanza, on the other hand, has nominated Emmanuel Nzai, Dr Daniel Mwai, Bramwel Simiyu, and Dr Cecilia Ng'etich. The UDA Executive Director Nicodemus Bore is representing Kenya Kwanza as an ex officio member.
The second technical team will handle the more structural aspects of the coalition. President Ruto and Odinga will each nominate five members to this team, which will be responsible for drafting the coalition framework, designing governance structures, and working out leadership arrangements. This team's work is expected to begin immediately.
Building a United Future
As Kenya moves forward with this new political arrangement, the focus remains on identifying common ground and working towards practical solutions that will benefit all Kenyans.
The coalition aims to address the economic challenges facing the nation, improve social services, and strengthen governance structures that have been tested in recent years.
With the technical teams now in place and a clear mandate to develop a joint manifesto, both Kenya Kwanza and ODM are signalling their commitment to presenting a united front in 2027.
Whether this partnership will hold until the elections and beyond remains to be seen, but for now, Kenyans can expect a political coalition that promises to tackle the issues that matter most to ordinary people in towns, villages, and across the country.
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