Leaders from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have begun a three-day retreat in Naivasha convened by President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga to assess the broad-based government arrangement and strategise for the 2027 General Election.
Governors, Deputy Governors, Members of Parliament, Senators, Cabinet Secretaries and Speakers of both Houses are expected to attend the meeting which runs from August 9 to 11.
According to Alego Usiga MP Samuel Atandi, discussions will include President Ruto’s re-election bid, with the two parties seeking to consolidate their support ahead of 2027.
“The focus is on how we are going to win the presidency, so we are going to look at which team is best to capture the presidency,” Atandi said.
“The biggest headache for us is the re-election of President William Ruto. All of us must be aware that that is the price all of us must be ready to sacrifice for that to happen,” he added.
Atandi, who also chairs the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, dismissed concerns over divisions within ODM, saying the departure of a few members has not weakened the party’s standing broad-based arrangement.
“We urge Kenyans to join the broad-based coalition because this is the coalition that is going to win elections, despite the noises from a few friends who have left us. The coalition is very strong, and we are preparing to win elections in the biggest way possible,” he said.
Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo described the retreat as a bonding opportunity for the two parties while exuding confidence that the broad-based coalition will secure a second term for President Ruto.
“We are united as a broad-based government. We are supporting the President to secure a second term, and we are confident that when two large parties come together, victory is on their side. There is no doubt about that,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by UDA nominated Senator Raphael Chimera, who revealed that the retreat will also allow the administration to take stock of its performance and prepare to account to voters for its track record.
“We just want to put our house in order and prepare for next year’s elections,” he said.
The leaders will hold a closed-door session before addressing the media later in the afternoon.
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