UDA dismisses claims of abandoning 10-point agenda amid ODM talks

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has dismissed claims that it has abandoned its 10-point agenda, insisting that the framework remains intact, even as it engages with the ODM party.

Speaking at the UDA headquarters, party leaders stated that the talks are aimed at strengthening a long-standing relationship that extends beyond the 2027 elections.

They also assured supporters that the discussions with ODM will not undermine UDA’s ties with its other coalition partners.

“The pact that we have with our partners in the Kenya Kwanza coalition remains intact and very valid. We cannot go looking for new partners and lose the old ones, and I think the president has been very clear on the need to unite the country,” said UDA chairperson Cecily Mbarire.

National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah, on his part, expressed commitment to the pact, saying, “Our engagements with our colleagues in ODM go beyond the 10-point agenda. It is our intent to have greater negotiations on how to form a government.”

Senate majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot added, “It has given us the foundation, a place to start, but we believe there is more we can achieve if we build on that foundation. It is not a separate arrangement.”

The development comes barely a week after the UDA’s National Executive Committee (NEC) authorised President William Ruto to initiate formal talks with the Orange party to firm up a coalition pact ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a communiqué issued on January 14 after a NEC meeting held in Nairobi, the party said the engagement would seek to strengthen the ongoing political cooperation between the two parties and shape a structured pre-election agreement.

“The NEC mandated the UDA Party Leader to establish mechanisms for structured engagement with the ODM party to achieve the desired outcome,” read the statement.

“The NEC noted the decision of the ODM Party Central Management Committee to initiate structured negotiations with the UDA Party, in the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, to strengthen the ongoing political partnership and negotiate a coalition agreement ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

The ruling party credited the existing partnership with ODM for key political milestones, including the adoption of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, the incorporation of ODM members into government roles, and joint electoral successes in recent by-elections.