By Mark Simitia
President William Ruto has laid out a political strategy behind his confidence that a coalition between his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) can deliver a two to three million vote lead in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a UDA National Governing Council meeting at State House, Nairobi, the President said the proposed ODM pact is not merely symbolic but a calculated move aimed at expanding his voter base beyond traditional UDA strongholds and neutralizing long-standing regional voting blocs.
Ruto noted that his narrow win in the 2022 election, which he secured by just 200,000 votes, exposed the risks of governing without a broad national mandate—a gap he now aims to close decisively.
“This time, we want to win by a margin of between two and three million votes so that we unite the country and move forward together,” Ruto said.
According to the President, the projected margin will be achieved through three main pillars: expanded regional support, inclusive governance, and strengthened grassroots party structures.
Ruto believes that ODM’s entrenched support in Nyanza, Western Kenya, and parts of the Coast—areas where UDA traditionally struggles—will significantly boost his national tally.
“From my position, I can assure you there is enough for every Kenyan. One does not need to be excluded for another to be included,” he said, framing the coalition as a response to exclusionary politics.
The President pointed to the broad-based government currently in place, which includes ODM leaders serving in Cabinet and senior government positions, as evidence that political cooperation can translate into voter confidence.
Ruto urged that by sharing power and development resources across regions, the government is building goodwill that will convert into votes.
“There is an opportunity for all of us to fit in one government and work for the country,” he told party officials.
He instructed UDA leaders to intensify grassroots mobilization, including conducting party elections in areas with weak structures, to ensure the coalition machinery is ready well before 2027.
Ruto stressed that securing a decisive margin in the next election is critical for political stability and policy continuity, noting that slim victories often lead to prolonged contestation that can distract governments from development.
“We want a resounding win so that the country can remain stable and focused on development,” he said.
The President also linked the strategy to his administration’s economic agenda, citing ongoing investments in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and housing, which he said require a stable political environment to succeed.
Political analysts say Ruto’s confidence depends on whether ODM supporters will turn out in large numbers for a coalition ticket, especially in the absence of a traditional ODM presidential candidate.
While supporters argue the pact reflects political maturity, critics view it as a gamble that could face resistance from grassroots loyalists on both sides.
Still, Ruto insists that inclusivity, development, and unity will overcome traditional rivalries.
“This is not about parties; it is about uniting Kenyans and moving the country forward,” he said.
As coalition talks continue, the President’s remarks signal a shift from narrow electoral arithmetic to a big-tent strategy—one he believes will translate into the commanding victory margin he is projecting for 2027.
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