President William Ruto is set to host a three-day political retreat in Naivasha, bringing together senior UDA and ODM leaders as the broad-based administration seeks to consolidate its partnership ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The high-level meeting, which begins on Sunday, August 9, is expected to bring together governors, deputy governors and Members of Parliament allied to the two parties.
The retreat will focus on strengthening cooperation between UDA and ODM, reviewing the progress of their political partnership and discussing the direction of the broad-based administration as the country moves towards the August 2027 polls.
Leaders are also expected to discuss the future of the UDA-ODM arrangement and progress on issues arising from the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco).
The Nadco recommendations formed part of the political understanding reached between Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Among the proposals were the creation of the offices of Official Leader of the Opposition and Prime Minister.
These issues could feature in discussions as the two parties seek to deepen their cooperation and establish a more structured political partnership.
The question of President Ruto’s running mate is also expected to attract attention during the retreat, amid competing interests within UDA and ODM.
Several ODM leaders have backed Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya as a possible running mate for Ruto. His possible nomination has, however, generated tension with politicians allied to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The debate forms part of broader political calculations within the administration, with leaders from different regions positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Political zoning is another potentially contentious issue expected to feature during the meeting.
ODM has pushed for political zoning in areas considered its traditional strongholds, arguing that parties within the broad-based administration should respect each other’s political bases.
UDA, however, has maintained that political parties should be free to field candidates across the country in elective positions, with the presidency being the main exception.
The disagreement could become more pronounced as the parties begin preparations for candidate selection and negotiations ahead of the 2027 elections.
The retreat is expected to take place at Lake Naivasha Resort, according to an invitation sent to MPs. Leaders are expected to check in on Sunday and leave on Tuesday.
The meeting comes as Ruto and ODM leaders seek to give greater political direction to the broad-based administration, which emerged from the political understanding between Ruto and the late Raila Odinga.
The arrangement brought together senior figures from the former political rivals, with ODM leaders joining the government and supporting cooperation on national and political matters.
The Naivasha discussions are therefore expected to provide an opportunity for the two sides to assess their working relationship and consider how it will shape their political strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.