National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has announced that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will negotiate for the deputy president position during coalition discussions with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
In a statement made on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Junet emphasized that ODM will not present a presidential candidate in 2027. Instead, the party will focus on establishing a coalition arrangement within a broad-based government framework.
“ODM will not field a presidential candidate in 2027. Our next priority is the deputy president role, and we will collaborate with our coalition partners to determine the best path forward,” Junet stated.
The Suna East MP indicated that ODM and Kenya Kwanza leaders had already initiated discussions on a coalition arrangement during a recent meeting in Naivasha.
“During our discussions in Naivasha, we reached an agreement that UDA and Kenya Kwanza will form a coalition with ODM for the 2027 elections,” he added.
Junet’s comments clearly demonstrate ODM’s strategic positioning toward a power-sharing agreement with Kenya Kwanza, rather than pursuing an independent presidential campaign.
He highlighted that ODM and UDA currently maintain a cooperative political relationship under the broad-based government, although a formal legal coalition has yet to be established.
“We aim to unite for the upcoming election. While we don’t have a legal framework binding us, we share valuable working and political relationships within this broad-based approach,” he explained.
Regarding the deputy president position, Junet mentioned that discussions would include Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and other coalition partners.
“Kindiki brings significant numbers and value to the table. We will engage in dialogue to reach a consensus. He is open to retaining the DP seat or yielding it based on the circumstances,” he noted.
These remarks suggest that the deputy president position may emerge as a pivotal negotiation point within the developing coalition as parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
Junet defended ODM’s collaboration with Kenya Kwanza, asserting that political parties exist to pursue power and governance.
“Political parties are fundamentally established to capture political power. No party is created to function like an NGO,” he remarked.
He reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to its founding values, despite some supporters advocating for the party to remain in opposition.
“ODM remains true to its original principles and values,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Junet contended that ODM stands as the largest political party in the country and a national movement capable of shaping the outcome of the next election.
“ODM is the largest political party in Kenya and a genuine national entity. We contribute substantial quality and numbers to the political landscape. No other party can match ODM’s prominence today,” he stated.
Lastly, the minority leader referenced President Ruto’s historical ties with ODM, highlighting that both parties now share greater policy alignment, particularly concerning universal health coverage.
