President William Ruto and ODM boss Oburu Oginga are leading their troops in a political strategy meeting aimed at countering the growing opposition offensive ahead of next year’s general election.
The two-day retreat of elected leaders allied to the broad-based government begins in Naivasha today, bringing together lawmakers from Kenya Kwanza and ODM.
The meeting comes as opposition leaders intensify efforts to forge a united front against Ruto and present a single presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
The opposition has stepped up its campaigns, with leaders holding multiple rallies across the country in what appears to have rattled the broad-based brigade.
“We are in that season where we have to strategise politically. We want to have a clear message and agenda before we hit the road,” Senate Minority leader Stewart Madzayo said.
Madzayo said the meeting would set the stage for the broad-based government brigade to hit the ground and counter the opposition campaigns that have gathered momentum across the country.
“The other people have been all over. ODM and UDA unity is a juggernaut. It is titanic. But first, we have to strategise. You cannot win an election without strategising,” he said.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said the retreat was part of consultations and efforts to build synergy among leaders ahead of what is expected to be a gruelling campaign season.
“You know, the opposition has been all over. They think they are more popular than the governor. But we are telling them, mambo bado ( loosely translated to campaigns have not started),”Cherargei said.
The parliamentary group meeting brings together lawmakers supporting the broad-based government.
It is expected to focus on political strategy, legislative priorities and the formalization the coalition ahead of the campaigns.
An internal memo from National Assembly Minority leader Junet Mohamed to members dated August 4 confirmed that inter-party and coalition affairs would be among the key issues on the agenda.
“Parliamentary business and inter-party/coalition affairs will form part of the meeting agenda. A detailed programme and agenda will be circulated separately,” Junet said.
The retreat comes as ODM and UDA seek to formalise their political arrangement after signing a cooperation agreement last year that laid the foundation for the broad-based government.
However, ODM is pushing for a bigger political stake even as they push to formalise the marriage.
The party is seeking the deputy president’s position, several senior state appointments and zoning of its traditional strongholds. The demands are yet to enter formal negotiations.
ODM, however, appears divided on who should fly the deputy presidential flag among its ranks.
Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga are emerging as possible contenders.
Oburu himself added a new twist to the succession debate after publicly appearing to claim the position.
“This time round, ODM will not field a candidate because we will support President William Ruto. All the other positions are negotiable, particularly number two.
“Don’t you think I deserve to be number two? Can I not be number two?” Oburu said at State House on Tuesday during a meeting with village elders.
UDA, meanwhile, is backing the retention of DP Kithure Kindiki.
The Naivasha meeting is also expected to provide an opportunity for Ruto and Oburu to reaffirm their commitment to the broad-based government and rally lawmakers behind the coalition as Parliament resumes sittings.
The leaders are also expected to discuss the coalition’s legislative priorities and rally MPs behind key government programmes.
The performance of parliamentary committees will also come under scrutiny.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of a setback for the broad-based alliance in the Ol-Kalou parliamentary by-election, where the coalition-backed candidate lost to the opposition.
The defeat has heightened concerns within the ruling camp over its political fortunes and increased pressure for the coalition to strengthen its grassroots machinery.
