By Dawan Africa - Admin
Kenya, September 13, 2026 - President William Ruto has said the United Democratic Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement are no longer political competitors but partners in Kenya’s broad-based government.
Speaking at the Voice of Salvation and Healing Church in Mamboleo, Kisumu, on Sunday, Ruto said the partnership would help advance the development legacy of the late former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Ruto said Raila could not be replaced but assured ODM supporters that his ideas and contribution to Kenya’s development could continue through cooperation between the two parties.
“It may not be possible to replace the late Raila Odinga, but we can work to make sure that his legacy is carried on in the development of our nation,” Ruto said.
The President described himself as a student of the late opposition leader and promised to continue working with Raila’s supporters.
“I want to assure you that as a student of the late Raila Odinga, I will walk with you. ODM and UDA are not competitors but rather collaborators, and I will ensure his legacy lives on,” he said.
The statement comes as Ruto begins a wider tour of Luo Nyanza, a region where Raila enjoyed significant political influence for decades. The visit is expected to combine the launch and inspection of development projects with efforts to strengthen relations between the President and ODM leaders.
Ruto’s description of ODM and UDA as partners gives the broad-based government a clearer political character. What began as cooperation between the two parties is now being presented by the President as a shared arrangement that could shape governance and political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
More from Kenya
The remarks also offer Ruto an opportunity to appeal directly to ODM supporters while acknowledging Raila’s continued symbolic importance in Nyanza politics.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has maintained that ODM remains united and will not be swayed by what she termed mixed political messages. She has also defended the partnership by pointing to development projects being implemented in the region.
Ruto’s comments are likely to generate debate within ODM, especially among members who view the party as an opposition movement rather than part of the administration.
For now, the President is framing the relationship not as a temporary political arrangement, but as a partnership built around national unity, development and the preservation of Raila’s legacy.
The key question is whether that message will translate into formal political cooperation ahead of 2027 and whether ODM supporters in Nyanza will accept UDA as a partner rather than a rival.