ODM leaders from Western Kenya have endorsed the party’s decision to initiate negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance for a potential coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.
Governors Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Paul Otuoma (Busia), Wilbur Ottichilo (Vihiga), Ken Lusaka (Bungoma) and Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya expressed full support for the party leadership under Oburu Oginga to steer the talks.
“Our first choice is to be with President William Ruto,” Otuoma said, emphasising continuity with the broad-based government.
Otuoma added that the party has the experience and resilience to honour the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the negotiations.
Ottichilo noted that the four governors agreed to support whatever decision the party takes for 2027, focusing on both political and development strategies.
They said the decision by the ODM central management committee on Monday allowing Oburu to engage UDA is strategic, necessary for regional unity and will strengthen the region’s bargaining power in national politics.
The committee directed that structured negotiations with political formations, starting with UDA, commence “immediately”.
It also underscored the need to position ODM not only to contest the 2027 elections but also to form the next government, focusing on policy development, organisational readiness, coalition building and candidate preparedness.
Barasa said a united political front would enable the region to push its development agenda and secure meaningful representation at the national level.
Weighing in, Lusaka said engagement with UDA is critical for regional unity and sending the right political, economic and social signals to constituents.
Kakamega parliamentary caucus chairman Bernard Shinali said Luhya leaders who had been in the Azimio coalition decamped to the government to ensure their electorates do not miss out on development.
