ODM Lays Out Conditions for Deal With Ruto’s UDA, Targets DP Slot and 10 CS Positions

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has outlined its demands for a power-sharing arrangement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), targeting the Deputy President position and 10 Cabinet Secretary slots in the next government.

ODM leaders said the party must strengthen its grassroots support and win more elective seats in the 2027 General Election to secure an equal share of government positions under the broad-based political arrangement.

The party’s chairperson, Gladys Wanga, presented the strategy while addressing ODM delegates in Lodwar, Turkana County, on Friday night during activities marking the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death.

Wanga maintained that ODM remained politically strong despite concerns following Raila’s death, urging members to remain in the party and focus on building structures ahead of the next elections.

She indicated that the proposed arrangement would give UDA the presidency while ODM would seek the Deputy President position. The party also wants 10 Cabinet positions as part of negotiations over the composition of the next government.

However, Wanga acknowledged that ODM’s bargaining power would depend on its electoral performance, particularly the number of governors, senators, Members of Parliament and Members of County Assembly it secures.

She also called on party leaders in Turkana to unite and strengthen their local networks to improve ODM’s chances of winning elective positions in the county.

The appeal comes after ODM lost the Nanam and Lakezone ward by-elections to the United Democratic Movement, raising concerns about its ability to retain support in areas traditionally associated with the party.

Turkana has largely supported ODM in previous presidential elections, but competing political interests and divisions among local leaders have created fresh challenges for the party.

Wanga said ODM would work with grassroots leaders to consolidate its support in the county as competition with UDA intensifies ahead of 2027.

The party’s immediate challenge is to translate its proposed power-sharing demands into electoral gains that could strengthen its position during negotiations with Ruto’s party.

KingMswati [email protected]