By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, December 21 2025 - The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has signalled that any future political cooperation with President William Ruto will come with firm conditions, as party leaders begin laying the groundwork for the 2027 General Election.
National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed on Sunday said ODM would not offer its political support without a clearly defined share of power and development commitments from the President. Speaking during a condolence visit by ODM leaders at the home of the late former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, Junet insisted that negotiations must be open and specific.
“If they want ODM votes, then they must put positions on the table and clearly state what they are offering,” Junet said. He dismissed calls from within the party urging unconditional cooperation with the President, arguing that such an approach would weaken ODM’s bargaining power.
Junet acknowledged that ODM had already secured several Cabinet positions under the current broad-based government arrangement and pointed to development projects underway in ODM strongholds. However, he said this was not sufficient, noting that the party considers itself the largest political outfit in the country and a major source of votes.
“ODM brings numbers. We bring stability. That must be recognised in any political partnership,” he added.
Despite the tough tone, Junet was quick to clarify that ODM has no intention of joining the opposition. Instead, he said the party would remain in government while pushing for the full implementation of agreed commitments.
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“We will not work with tribal politics,” Junet said. “But if Kenya Kwanza wants our cooperation, then we must sit down, talk honestly and agree on clear terms.”
His remarks echo recent demands by Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, who also called for more Cabinet slots and a stronger ODM presence in a future Ruto administration.
President Ruto has previously urged ODM to stay united and open to collaboration, most recently during the fifth Piny Luo cultural festival, where he spoke of the possibility of a 2027 coalition.
ODM leaders are now pressing the President to honour a 10-point agenda agreed upon in a memorandum of understanding between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), framing it as a test of trust ahead of the next election cycle.
