ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati has assured aspiring candidates that the party will conduct free and fair nominations ahead of the 2027 General Election, as it prepares for a possible electoral coalition with President William Ruto’s UDA.
Speaking in Homa Bay County during a development tour by President William Ruto on Thursday, Arati said all ODM candidates would be given a fair opportunity in the nomination process, urging party members to remain united as preparations for the elections gather pace.
“I want to give an assurance to all candidates for the party that we will have free and fair nomination,” Arati said.
He said the party would manage its internal affairs as it continues its cooperation with UDA under the broad-based government.
“There will be no problems from the party,” he said, in an apparent assurance that the nomination process would be conducted without favouritism.
Arati also reiterated ODM’s commitment to remaining in government through its working relationship with UDA, saying the two parties should continue working together.
“Let me see whether you want ODM and UDA to remain together and work as one?” he asked the residents.
His remarks come as ODM and UDA step up discussions on a formal coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election. The two parties have already agreed to establish technical teams to negotiate the proposed coalition framework, including power-sharing arrangements and a joint manifesto.
The talks are also expected to address how the parties will approach nominations and competing candidates in areas where they both have support.
ODM has pushed for a 50-50 power-sharing arrangement in any electoral agreement with UDA with Arati reiterating the position, saying: “Since we agreed on the broad-based arrangement that the next government will be shared on a 50-50 basis, we understand and agree that the next government should be 50-50.”
At the same time, ODM has maintained that its traditional political strongholds and existing electoral base must be protected in any deal with UDA.
The party has previously described its parliamentary representation and key strongholds as non-negotiable, while discussions over electoral zoning remain one of the contentious issues in the negotiations.
Arati has also previously argued that ODM should retain key positions and influence in regions where it commands support, while insisting that any arrangement with UDA must reflect fairness between the two parties.
The nomination process is expected to be closely watched as the two parties negotiate how to manage competing ambitions ahead of the 2027 polls, with ODM leaders seeking to protect the party’s identity and political base while advancing cooperation with UDA.