The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have formed a 10-member joint team to develop a common manifesto ahead of the 2027 General Election, in the first major policy step under ODM’s new leadership.
President William Ruto made the announcement during a Broad-Based Government media address in Naivasha on Monday, August 10, 2026, adding the two parties have also agreed to constitute a coalition to contest the 2027 election together.
The move comes 10 months after the death of ODM founding leader Raila Odinga, with the party now under the leadership of his elder brother, Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga.
Ruto said the decision follows consultations within Kenya Kwanza and ODM and is meant to give their working relationship a formal political structure.
"After consultations within our respective parties and formations, the Kenya Kwanza and the ODM have today formally resolved to develop a joint manifesto for the next election and constitute a coalition to contest the 2027 general election together," Ruto said.
He noted that cooperation that began in government will now transition into a common political platform.
“As a partnership in the national interest, must now be given a clear political framework for the future. These decisions mark an important new chapter in our partnership. What began as cooperation in government will now become a common political platform upon which we shall seek the mandate of the Kenyan people in August next year,” he said.
The joint team will have five members from each party. Executive directors from UDA and ODM will serve as ex officio members.
Ruto said the team’s mandate extends beyond a campaign document.
“Their task is not simply to produce a political document,” he said.
The manifesto will be anchored on the shared values of both formations and will incorporate views from Kenyans gathered through the national conversation on Kenya Beyond Vision 2030 and the National Development Charter expected from that process.
“The manifesto will draw from our shared values and priorities while being informed by the aspirations, ideas, and priorities expressed by Kenyans, including through the national conversation on Kenya Beyond Vision 2030, and reflected in the National Development Charter that will emerge from it," Ruto said.
He added that the coalition aims to consolidate gains made under the broad-based government.
"The partnership seeks to consolidate the progress made by the broad-based government, complete ongoing reforms and present Kenyans with a common programme for the next phase of the country's development,” Ruto said.
Kenya Kwanza nominees are Emmanuel Nzai, Dr Daniel Mwai, Bramwell Simiyu, Mohammed Hassan and Dr Cecilia Ngetich.
ODM has nominated Isaac Wanuge, Mariam Abdulai, Leonida Kerubo Omosa, Engineer Kari Orege and Professor Bernard Mok.
