Ruto Says UDA-ODM Alliance Will Defeat Opposition in 2027 Election

President William Ruto has expressed confidence that the broad-based coalition between UDA and ODM will defeat the opposition in the 2027 General Election, arguing that the combined support of the two parties gives the alliance significant political strength.

Ruto made the remarks during the second day of his tour of Nyanza, where he addressed residents and political leaders in Kisumu County.

The President defended his administration's affordable housing programme as part of a broader development agenda and challenged opposition leaders to face the coalition at the ballot.

"Those we are competing against, Kenyans will shock you, my friends," Ruto said, arguing that the political contest should focus on the interests of Kenyans rather than individual personalities.

He added that the broad-based administration was prepared for the 2027 contest and had a plan for the country.

ODM Demands Share of Government Positions

ODM leaders accompanying the President during the Nyanza tour reaffirmed their support for the broad-based arrangement while making it clear that they expect the partnership to translate into a proportional share of government positions.

ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati said the party expects an equal share of government roles in exchange for its political support ahead of the 2027 election.

Arati also warned against what he described as "friendly fire" within the coalition, particularly in the Nyanza region.

ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga similarly reaffirmed the party's commitment to the broad-based arrangement.

Wanga criticised unnamed political actors whom she accused of attempting to compete with ODM without having an established political organisation or clear agenda.

Junet Questions Opposition Position on Ruto's Second Term

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed also addressed the political debate surrounding the 2027 election.

Mohammed questioned the position taken by opposition leaders regarding President Ruto's eligibility to seek a second term.

The issue of political alliances and presidential succession is expected to become increasingly prominent as parties position themselves ahead of the next General Election.

Ruto Defends Affordable Housing Programme

During the Kisumu tour, Ruto also responded to criticism of the government's affordable housing programme.

The President appeared to target Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over remarks concerning the programme, including claims that some of the houses could be allocated to police officers.

Ruto said the government had separately planned housing units specifically for police officers.

"They also say we will divide these houses and allocate them to the police. Let me tell you, we have planned 20,000 houses for police officers already," he said.

The President has consistently presented affordable housing as a major component of his administration's development agenda and a means of addressing Kenya's housing deficit while creating employment.

Government Unveils Development Projects in Nyanza

Ruto's tour also featured the commissioning and inspection of several infrastructure and development projects presented by the government as part of a KSh700 billion development package for the region.

Among the projects commissioned was the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project in Kisumu Central Constituency.

The President also commissioned the construction of the Rabuor-Chiga road in Nyando Constituency.

In Muhoroni Constituency, Ruto inspected works on the Mamboleo-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet road, while in Kisumu West Constituency he commissioned the airport control tower.

The government says the projects are intended to improve infrastructure, water access, connectivity and economic activity across the region.

With the 2027 General Election approaching, the President's tour of Nyanza has combined development announcements with increasingly direct political messaging, as the UDA-ODM partnership seeks to consolidate support in a region that has traditionally been a stronghold of the opposition.