[PHOTOS] Ruto, Oburu lead UDA–ODM State House talks on new cooperation plan
The meeting comes at a time when political conversations have been increasing around how ODM and UDA will relate going forward, especially as attention shifts toward the 2027 General Election. ODM has in recent weeks held internal meetings to discuss possible structured engagement with UDA.
President William Ruto, ODM party leader Oburu Oginga and leaders from UDA and ODM pose for a group photo during the high-level meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 23, 2026.
PHOTO /PCS
President William Ruto on Thursday hosted senior leaders from the United Democratic Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement at State House, Nairobi, in a meeting aimed at strengthening structured cooperation between the two political sides in government work and national planning.
The discussions brought together members of the UDA Steering Committee and the ODM Central Management Committee in a coordinated engagement on how to align their working relationship within government. The meeting was co-chaired by President Ruto and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga attends the UDA Steering Committee and ODM Central Management Committee meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 23, 2026.PHOTO/PCS
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot arrive for the UDA Steering Committee and ODM Central Management Committee meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 23, 2026.PHOTO/PCS
Some of the leaders from UDA and ODM during the high-level consultative meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 23, 2026.PHOTO/PCS
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar attends the UDA Steering Committee and ODM Central Management Committee meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 23, 2026.PHOTO/PCS
According to a State House statement, the leaders agreed to establish a Broad-Based Management Committee that will include the two party leaders, selected Cabinet ministers, and the Majority and Minority leaders in Parliament. The committee will coordinate and synchronise legislative and executive agendas to improve efficiency in government operations and service delivery.
The meeting comes at a time when political conversations have been increasing around how ODM and UDA will relate going forward, especially as attention shifts toward the 2027 General Election. ODM has in recent weeks held internal meetings to discuss possible structured engagement with UDA.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah attends the UDA Steering Committee and ODM Central Management Committee meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 23, 2026.PHOTO/PCS
National Assembly Minority leader Junet Mohamed attends the UDA Steering Committee and ODM Central Management Committee meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 23, 2026.PHOTO/PCS
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki attends the UDA Steering Committee and ODM Central Management Committee meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 23, 2026.PHOTO/PCS
ODM party chairperson Gladys Wanga, National Assembly Minority leader Junet Mohamed and ODM acting SG Catherine Omanyo during the high-level consultative meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 23, 2026.PHOTO /PCS
Some of the leaders from UDA and ODM during the high-level consultative meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 23, 2026.PHOTO/PCS
Oburu has previously indicated that discussions on the matter are still being handled by a technical team within the party. He noted that the agenda is still under preparation and said public debate on the details is premature until the team completes its work.
The State House engagement marks a more formal step in those discussions, bringing both sides into direct political coordination at leadership level. However, some ODM leaders have continued to insist that any cooperation must respect the party’s identity, independence, and guiding principles.
ODM party chairperson Gladys attends the UDA Steering Committee and ODM Central Management Committee meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 23, 2026.PHOTO/PCS
President William Ruto and UDA chairperson Cecily Mbarire arrive for the UDA Steering Committee and ODM Central Management Committee meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 23, 2026.PHOTO /PCS
President William Ruto, ODM party leader Oburu Oginga and leaders from UDA and ODM pose for a group photo during the high-level meeting at State House, Nairobi, on April 23, 2026.PHOTO /PCS
Among those present were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, UDA chairperson Cecily Mbarire, Secretary General Hassan Omar, and other senior officials from both political formations. The talks are expected to influence how both parties cooperate in Parliament and within government structures.
The discussions are also expected to shape future political alliances and strategies as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 election period.