Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has articulated the necessity for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to collaborate with the United Opposition in preparation for the 2027 General Elections.
During the Vitu Kwa Ground YouTube podcast on January 17, 2025, Gakuya urged the ODM to unify with the United Opposition to establish a strong coalition capable of defeating President William Ruto, who is campaigning for a second term.
Gakuya emphasized that rather than allowing President Ruto to manipulate ODM, the party should ally with other opposition members to create a robust team aimed at defeating Ruto and preventing his re-election.
He highlighted the current fragmentation within ODM, where members are divided on supporting Ruto’s re-election, opposing his candidacy, or advocating for a party presidential candidate. Gakuya warned that pursuing a presidential candidate would dilute the opposition’s strength and facilitate an easier victory for Ruto in 2027.
He urged ODM to join the United Opposition to ensure Ruto’s defeat in the upcoming election.
Gakuya stated, “If ODM pursues a third force, it will harm the opposition. My request is for all opposition parties, including ODM, to unite and form a powerful coalition to end William Ruto’s tenure.”
In related developments, the ODM Central Management Committee (CMC) has directed party leader Oburu Odinga to initiate constructive pre-coalition discussions with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as part of the preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The party has commenced meet-the-people rallies, with the first event taking place at Kibra and Kamukunji Grounds, significant locations historically associated with the late Raila Odinga.
The CMC indicated that once the discussions are complete, Odinga will present his findings to the National Executive Committee (NEC), the party’s highest decision-making body, for approval.
Conversely, some party members, including Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, have dismissed the idea of engaging with the United Opposition, stating that any discussions with parties like the Rigathi Gachagua-led Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) would not receive his support.
Oketch expressed his refusal to allow ODM to negotiate with a party that promotes tribalism but welcomed the potential dialogue with the United Democratic Alliance, which he believes is committed to national unity.
