Ruto wades into growing ODM-UDA conflict

President William Ruto has urged members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to resolve internal disputes and present a unified front ahead of the 2027 general elections. His remarks came during a visit to the Coast region, where tensions have risen between ODM and UDA candidates vying for influence. Ruto emphasized that the two parties must work together to avoid weakening their combined position against the opposition. He called for a “ceasefire” among politicians in the region, warning that internal divisions could harm their electoral prospects. His comments were made days after ODM and UDA leaders reportedly reached an agreement to field joint candidates in key coastal counties. Tensions have emerged in Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi, where prominent figures within both parties are challenging each other for leadership roles. In Mombasa, UDA secretary general Hassan Omar has opposed efforts to back current governor Abdulswamad Nassir for re-election. Meanwhile, businessman Suleiman Shahbal has left ODM after failing to secure a nomination, aligning instead with the Kenya Reform Party. Ruto’s administration has faced criticism for allegedly favoring certain candidates in the Coast region, leading to fractures within the ODM-UDA alliance. Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Governor Nassir have suggested the region is shifting its allegiance to Ruto, citing development projects and land titles as reasons for support. During his tour of Kwale, Ruto advised candidates such as Governor Fatuma Achani, Prof Hamadi Boga, and Engineer Lung’anzi Chai to seek direct voter support rather than relying on external endorsements. He stressed that ultimate authority lies with the electorate, urging candidates to focus on their development plans and track records. Prof Boga criticized the alleged zoning of candidates as undemocratic, arguing that local voters should decide their leaders freely. He has raised concerns about restrictions placed on some aspirants seeking positions within the broad-based government.