Nairobi — A senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) official has proposed an early pre-election coalition with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, who serves as Deputy Party Leader, cited a realistic assessment of the political landscape and the need for strategic partnerships as the rationale behind the proposal.

According to Nassir, leadership requires making pragmatic choices guided by a clear understanding of the situation. He urged his colleagues within the ODM party to consider formalizing a pre-election coalition with the UDA in good faith. Nassir emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships over political posturing, stating that politics is about making choices, including choosing engagement over confrontation and strategy over sentiment.

The proposal comes as the ODM party struggles to overcome internal divisions following the death of its founding leader, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in October. Two factions have emerged within the party, with one advocating for a deeper partnership with the UDA and the other seeking to preserve Odinga’s legacy and maintain political independence. The latter faction is led by notable figures, including ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo.

The Sifuna-led camp maintains that the current ODM-UDA cooperation agreement is set to expire in 2027, after which the party would be free to chart its own course. Meanwhile, ODM Party Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of using party insiders to undermine the ODM. Additionally, Minority Whip Junet Mohamed has alleged external interference in party affairs, warning of an impending “war” to expel party rebels in January.

Nassir has called for a central committee meeting in January to ratify the proposed coalition pact with President William Ruto’s UDA. The development is likely to have significant implications for the political landscape in Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election. As the ODM party navigates its internal divisions, the proposed coalition with the UDA is expected to be a key factor in shaping the party’s future direction and strategy.