Governors from four counties in the western region of Kenya have officially endorsed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Central Management Committee to commence structured negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) regarding a potential coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.
On Wednesday, January 14, 2025, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa led this initiative, expressing the collective support of his counterparts: Wilbur Otichillo from Vihiga, Kenneth Lusaka from Bungoma, and Paul Otuoma from Busia. They collectively backed President William Ruto’s reelection campaign, emphasizing the importance of political stability and ongoing development nationwide.
Barasa articulated their commitment, stating, “We support the decision of the CEC committee. Our goal is to consolidate our constituents so that by 2027, we can ensure that all elected leaders, from Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to the presidency, are affiliated with the ODM-UDA coalition.”
Otuoma reinforced this sentiment, affirming, “We are part of a broad-based government under President William Ruto’s leadership, and that remains our foremost priority.”
Lusaka, who has been advocating for unity within the Mulembe nation as the 2027 elections approach, echoed this call, urging the region to unite in support of Ruto’s UDA. He stated, “As a region, we will stand together politically and economically. My mission is to collaborate with everyone from this region to secure President William Ruto a second term.”
The governors collectively underscored that a united political stance will empower the western region to advance its development agenda and achieve significant representation at the national level.
This endorsement follows ODM leader Oburu Oginga’s announcement on January 10, 2025, that the party will initiate formal negotiations with various political entities, beginning with the UDA. The meeting in Kilifi, chaired by Oginga, was the result of comprehensive internal discussions that reviewed a ten-point agenda and addressed various critical issues within the ODM party.
In a formal statement, the Central Committee conveyed, “The committee meeting expressed the intent to engage in structured negotiations with different political formations, starting with the United Democratic Alliance.”
