Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has suggested that the growing partnership between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) could significantly reshape Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a televised interview on Thursday, September 25, 2025, Cherargei revealed that high-level discussions within the ruling coalition point to a long-term collaboration between Kenya Kwanza and ODM, one that may extend well beyond 2027.
“Our working partnership will go beyond 2027. Some of us who are in the kitchen know this. You can take it to the bank,” he remarked.
The Senator further disclosed that the talks involve a possible power-sharing arrangement, including the prospect of ODM producing the Deputy President. “ODM and UDA working together means there are a lot of positions to be shared, and these positions will be subject to negotiations,” he added.
These revelations have cast doubt over DP Kithure Kindiki’s potential role in a post-2027 Ruto government, should ODM claim the deputy presidency slot.
Cherargei’s comments align with fresh findings by TIFA Research, which show that Raila Odinga’s political influence remains pivotal in shaping the 2027 race. According to the survey released on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 32% of Kenyans believe Raila will support President Ruto’s re-election bid.
The poll further revealed sharp divisions in public expectations:
- 46% of those opposed to the Building Bridges to Growth (BBG) initiative expect Raila to rejoin the opposition, whether by contesting again or backing another candidate.
- 39% of all respondents believe he will eventually return to the opposition, while nearly half of BBG supporters anticipate him backing Ruto.
As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 elections, the evolving UDA–ODM alliance is likely to redefine traditional political alignments, with Raila Odinga once again positioned as a central figure in determining the nation’s political trajectory.
