Cheruiyot: UDA will have structured talks with ODM as equal partners

Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, the Senate Majority Leader, has announced that the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) will engage in structured negotiations with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as equal partners ahead of the 2027 General Election. This stance aims to quell tensions arising from previous hints of a loose cooperation without a binding legal framework.

Speaking in Kisumu on November 7, 2026, Cheruiyot emphasized that the UDA views the ODM as an equal partner and is committed to delivering the people to Canaan to fulfill the dream of Raila Odinga. This potential realignment is expected to significantly alter Kenya's electoral and political landscape. The Nyanza Region, which accounts for 3,398,917 registered voters and is the third-largest voting bloc in Kenya, has become a focal point of concern among local leaders.

These leaders fear their influence within the ruling regime is being traded for support in Nyanza, a region where the Luo community demonstrates strong political mobilisation and high voter turnouts. Despite initial opposition from some ODM leaders, including party leader Dr Oburu Odinga, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and chairperson Gladys Wanga, the public spat has cooled, leaving friction at the forefront of political discussions.

Both sides remain united behind President William Ruto's bid for a second term, and Cheruiyot reiterated UDA's commitment to an equitable alliance. The Kericho Senator also vowed to promote unity between the two factions, insisting that both sides will agree on the best way forward. Lawmakers from Nyanza, including Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, and Nyando MP Jared Okello, voiced their support for structured engagement.

They all emphasized the importance of clear parameters to protect the union and adhere to the principles of the Political Parties Act. Buyu and Okello specifically called for a formal contract to make the coalition legally binding, while Owuor urged the people of Nyanza to back President Ruto for a second term. Meanwhile, Cheruiyot highlighted state-backed infrastructure projects aimed at reviving the regional economy and warned against external opposition figures attempting to dissuade residents from supporting the Ruto-ODM alliance.