Junet: UDA and ODM are equal partners in Ruto’s govt

East Kenya's Suna East MP Junet Mohamed urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to be acknowledged as an equal partner in President William Ruto's inclusive government on September 6, 2026. During a thanksgiving event in Samburu, Junet stated that the present administration should be viewed as a collaboration between UDA and ODM.

"The current government is UDA and ODM. A person who believes UDA is the sole government, ODM is also the government," Junet emphasized. He noted that the partnership has united the two parties under a single presidency with Ruto as the Head of State. Junet also outlined the political strategy he anticipates ODM supporters should adopt ahead of the 2027 General Election, advising them to support Ruto's re-election bid.

"Now we are together in a broad-based government and we will support President William Samoei Ruto for his second term," Junet said. The MP highlighted that this message carries extra weight in Samburu, where ODM presidential candidate Raila Odinga enjoyed backing in past elections. He pointed out that while ODM had not managed to secure parliamentary seats in the region, it still received presidential votes.

Junet concluded that the political realignment would now see ODM presidential votes for Raila Odinga redirected towards Ruto in 2027. "You know Papa had a lot of support here," Junet remarked, referring to Odinga's previous influence in Samburu. He added that ODM's presidential vote base in the area would now contribute to supporting Ruto.

"This entire vote that we used to get for ODM is now redirected to President William Samoei Ruto," Junet expressed. His comments come as ODM and UDA continue functioning within the broad-based government framework, with debates persisting about the extent of ODM's role and influence ahead of the 2027 election.