President Ruto addressing UDA and ODM leaders in Naivasha 
By Andrew Mbuva.
President William Ruto has announced a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 General Election, declaring that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have formally resolved to form a coalition and contest the election together.
Speaking on Monday during the Broad-Based Government Parliamentary Group retreat in Naivasha, President Ruto said the partnership, which began as cooperation in government, would now evolve into a formal political platform seeking a fresh mandate from Kenyans.
The President said the two parties had reached the decision after consultations within their respective political structures, describing the move as a new chapter in their partnership.
“After consultations within our respective parties, the United Democratic Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement have today formally resolved to constitute a coalition and to contest the 2027 General Election together,” Ruto said.
In a major boost to his re-election bid, Ruto announced that ODM had formally resolved not to field a presidential candidate in the 2027 election and would instead support his bid for a second and final term.
The announcement places the emerging UDA-ODM alliance at the centre of the political contest as parties begin positioning themselves for the August 2027 elections.
Ruto said the coalition would seek to consolidate what he described as the gains made by the Broad-Based Government, complete ongoing reforms and present Kenyans with a common programme for the country’s next phase of development.
To operationalise the partnership, the two parties have agreed to establish a joint team of five members from each party to develop a common manifesto ahead of the 2027 polls.
The President said the manifesto would be informed not only by the shared priorities of the two parties but also by the views and aspirations of Kenyans emerging from the planned National Conversation on Kenya Beyond Vision 2030.
A second joint team will also be established to prepare the coalition framework agreement, recommend its governance structures and propose leadership arrangements for the partnership.
The President's remarks also effectively marked the beginning of his political journey towards the 2027 election, exactly one year before Kenyans are expected to return to the ballot.
Ruto said the administration would face voters with a record of its performance rather than relying solely on campaign promises.
He cited what he described as progress in the economy, agriculture, healthcare, affordable housing, education, digital transformation and infrastructure.
According to the President, Kenya’s economy is now growing at approximately five per cent, inflation has fallen, the shilling has stabilised and foreign exchange reserves have surpassed US$15 billion.
He also highlighted reductions in fertiliser prices, increased maize and sugar production, expanded access to affordable credit through the Hustler Fund and the construction of more than 270,000 affordable housing units.
On healthcare, Ruto said more than 32 million Kenyans had registered under the Social Health Authority, while more than 16,000 health facilities had been contracted.
He further pointed to the recruitment of more than 100,000 teachers, construction of more than 23,000 classrooms and the expansion of digital government services through eCitizen.
The President acknowledged that challenges remained, but argued that his administration was entering the 2027 campaign with a record that voters could examine and judge.
He said the coming election should ultimately be about competing visions and policies for Kenya’s future rather than political confrontation.
Ruto also called on Kenyans to participate in the National Conversation on Kenya Beyond Vision 2030, saying the country needed a long-term development consensus that goes beyond individual governments, political parties and election cycles.
He said the ultimate decision on Kenya’s leadership would remain with the people.
“One year from today, you will once again make your choice,” Ruto said, adding that the administration would return to Kenyans “not merely with promises, but with proof.”
He challenged his political opponents to demonstrate what they would offer the country beyond the 2027 election.
“The question now is how far Kenya can go, and who has the vision, the experience, and the resolve to take our nation there,” he said.
