Ruto and Oburu strengthen UDA-ODM alliance after by-election win

President William Ruto and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga have signalled the possibility of a strengthened political alliance between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and other Kenya Kwanza affiliate parties—an emerging force they say will be “unshakable” ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking after the coalition swept all seats in the recent by-elections, President Ruto said the results demonstrate a broad-based government united in purpose and strategy.

"The broad-based government won all seats. We will continue building synergy and working together as we approach 2027," the President said.

Ruto spoke during the nikah ceremony of Jamila Mohamed Abdiqadir and Mohamed Nurdin Yusuf, the son of National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji, held at the Masalani Idd Grounds. He dismissed the opposition as fragmented and lacking any meaningful agenda for Kenyans, insisting that no coalition can shake the unity currently enjoyed by government partners.

Shared commitment

The ODM leader echoed the President's remarks, saying the cooperation between his party and UDA in the recent by-elections demonstrated renewed strength and a shared commitment to serving Kenyans. He noted that the late ODM leader Raila Odinga had championed a broad-based approach to governance—one that is now taking clearer shape.

"We have a single agenda: to serve Kenyans. We are forging even stronger unity ahead of 2027, a strength that cannot be ignored, and the recent by-election results say it all," Oburu said.

Garissa Senator Abdulkadir Haji lauded President Ruto as a leader with a transformative vision for northern Kenya.

He apologised on behalf of leaders from the region who recently protested during the President's State of the Nation address, accusing him of neglecting development in the area. The protests were fuelled by concerns over the slow construction of the Isiolo–Wajir–Mandera highway, one of the flagship projects pledged by the Kenya Kwanza administration.

"I wish to apologise on behalf of the leaders from my region who protested. It seems they were not keenly following the President's agenda. Our region is benefiting more now than in previous administrations," the senator said.

Development record

President Ruto also defended his development record in the region, reassuring that no area will be left behind.

He highlighted ongoing projects in the North, including the upgrading of the Lamu–Garbatulla road, which he said was initially planned as a murram road before he directed that it be tarmacked. The project, he said, is already nearly 50 per cent complete.

On the slow pace of the 750-kilometre Isiolo–Wajir–Mandera road, Ruto noted that the project is being undertaken by various contractors in phases.

He added that more funding has been allocated and is awaiting Cabinet approval and procurement processes for the project, which he said is funded by the World Bank.

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'Longest road ever'

"This will be the longest road ever done by any administration in Kenya. We are committed to ensuring its successful completion," he said.

Ruto further noted that his administration had taken steps to end historical marginalisation, particularly regarding the issuance of identity documents such as IDs and passports.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale supported the President's remarks, saying the region had long suffered discrimination in acquiring national documents.

"You restored our dignity, and as a region, we will stand with you," Duale said.