Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has admitted that UDA had to surrender part of its political space when ODM joined President William Ruto’s administration, describing the outcome with a joke that left a crowd in Tharaka Nithi laughing.
Kindiki said the ruling party had suffered a “small loss” following the creation of the broad-based government, but maintained that the arrangement was still worthwhile because more leaders were now part of the administration.
He made the remarks on Thursday, September 10, 2026, while addressing residents during a roadside rally at Kabururu in Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County.
“Na hata sai tuliingia hasara kidogo, kwa sababu sasa serikali imekuwa broad-based. Ni sawa, tuko wengi sasa, lakini ni sawa tu, better nusu kuliko nothing,” Kindiki told the crowd.
The statement stood out because government officials have largely presented the broad-based government as an arrangement built around national unity and cooperation, rather than one in which UDA had to give up part of its hold on government.
Kindiki’s remarks offered a different picture, openly recognising that the inclusion of ODM leaders meant political space and government positions could no longer remain largely within the ruling party.
Despite that, the Deputy President argued that the broader arrangement was a better option, using humour to explain why UDA had accepted the changes that came with bringing another major political group into government.
The broad-based government was formed after President William Ruto and the late ODM leader Raila Odinga reached a political understanding that resulted in several ODM leaders taking up Cabinet and other government positions.
The deal brought together politicians who had previously occupied opposing sides of the political divide, changing the direction of national politics after a period marked by increased political tension.
Those supporting the arrangement have said it helped reduce political hostility and created an opportunity for wider agreement on national matters.
Opponents, however, have continued to argue that ODM’s decision to work within government weakened its position as an opposition force and changed the traditional political balance between the administration and its critics.
Kindiki’s remarks came as he continued his political tour of Tharaka Nithi, where he has been drumming up support for UDA and engaging the party’s grassroots ahead of its wider political activities.
The Deputy President has in recent weeks brought together thousands of UDA grassroots officials from Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi as the party works to build its structures in the Mt Kenya East region.
The activities are also taking place as UDA prepares for internal elections and begins laying the groundwork for the wider political battle expected in 2027.
Since he became Deputy President in late 2024, Kindiki has taken an increasingly active role in the government’s political mobilisation, often mixing messages on development with efforts to strengthen support for UDA.
Although his “hasara kidogo” comment was delivered humorously, it also pointed to the political changes brought about by the broad-based arrangement.
His description of the deal as “better nusu kuliko nothing” portrayed the partnership as a compromise that allowed UDA to remain in charge of government while making room for ODM leaders.
The remarks also highlighted the challenge facing the ruling party as it seeks to maintain its political identity while working with a former rival inside the same administration.
With the 2027 General Election drawing closer, the relationship between UDA and ODM, and how the two parties balance their interests within government, is likely to remain an important part of Kenya’s political debate.