Naivasha MP Kihara questions motive behind UDA-ODM political cooperation

Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara has raised questions about the intentions behind political alliances forming ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election. Kihara queried whether these partnerships are primarily aimed at advancing the country’s interests or simply serving to bolster politicians’ power. During a radio interview on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, she acknowledged that alliances are a key aspect of democratic politics when parties with similar ideologies unite to pursue common goals.

However, Kihara urged Kenyans to scrutinize beyond the formation of such alliances and consider their intended outcomes. "Why do you want a coalition? Do you want a coalition so that you get to power or do you want to get a coalition so that you help the country?" she asked. She argued that Kenya’s political scene is heavily influenced by ethnic and regional factors.

Kihara emphasized that many political regions cannot secure national power independently and often need to form partnerships with other regions to expand their electoral base. "When a region knows that they cannot get to power alone, they need to look for the other region," she stated. Nevertheless, Kihara expressed doubt that the mere existence of a political coalition guarantees shared development agendas.

She questioned whether the alliances under discussion will deliver tangible benefits to Kenyans or merely provide politicians with enhanced pathways to power. Kihara also probed recent political engagements involving the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). She specifically queried if the collaboration between these two factions was motivated by development or by a desire to strengthen President William Ruto’s political standing ahead of the 2027 election.

"Is it for development or is it to sustain Ruto in power?" she inquired. Kihara further questioned whether politicians join coalitions to support government initiatives or out of personal political interests. "Or is it for personal gains by the leaders?" she posed. These remarks were made as Kenya’s political landscape begins to shift in preparation for the 2027 election, with parties expected to negotiate alliances and partnerships to consolidate support across diverse regions.