Leaders from President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) held a joint rally at the National Youth Service (NYS) grounds in Nairobi, signaling an aggressive early push to dominate the capital’s elective seats in the 2027 General Election.
The event brought together MPs from both parties, including Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North, UDA), George Aladwa (Makadara, ODM), Yusuf Hassan (Kamkunji, UDA), TJ Kajwang’ (Ruaraka, ODM), George Orero (Kibra, ODM), Ronald Karauri (Kasarani, UDA), and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris (UDA).
The gathering underscored the deepening cooperation under the existing broad-based government arrangement between President Ruto and ODM figures.
The leaders declared their unified goal of capturing every major elective position in Nairobi: the governorship, Senate seat, Woman Representative post, all 17 parliamentary constituencies, and the 85 Member of County Assembly (MCA) wards.
They framed the alliance as essential for delivering development, political stability, and issue-based governance in Kenya’s economic and political hub.
Speaking at the rally, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi urged supporters to prioritize residents’ everyday concerns—such as jobs, housing, security, and public services—over political rivalries. “Nairobi deserves leaders who focus on people’s daily struggles rather than division,” Elachi said. “Our broad-based partnership draws strength from unity and shared purpose.”
Kamkunji MP Yusuf Hassan emphasized tangible benefits for youth and small traders, describing the cooperation as a deliberate strategy for progress.
“We must demonstrate to Nairobians that unity is not merely a slogan but a practical tool for development, empowering young people and securing peace and prosperity,” he stated.
Makadara MP George Aladwa, who also serves as ODM’s Nairobi County Chairman, reaffirmed the parties’ commitment to the broad-based framework led by President Ruto and ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga. “As a party, we remain firmly committed to arrangements aimed at fostering unity, stability, and inclusive development,” Aladwa said, referencing ongoing pre-election discussions.
The rally featured repeated chants in support of President Ruto’s re-election in 2027. ODM representatives also cautioned party members against undermining Oburu Odinga’s leadership.
Organizers indicated plans for expanded joint initiatives, including grassroots mobilization forums, youth empowerment programs, and coordinated development efforts across Nairobi and other regions. They revealed that high-level meetings are underway and that an official broad-based coordination team will soon be unveiled to steer nationwide activities.
The event aligns with broader national efforts to formalize pre-election cooperation between UDA and ODM, building on the broad-based government formed after the 2022 elections and subsequent rapprochement.
While the partnership has delivered milestones such as the adoption of the National Dialogue Committee report and shared wins in recent by-elections, it has also sparked internal divisions within ODM over the extent of alignment with the ruling party.
By targeting a complete sweep of Nairobi’s seats, the coalition aims to solidify its influence in the capital and establish a robust political machinery to advance the national government’s agenda into and beyond 2027.
