The race to shape Kenya's political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election has entered a new phase after ODM confirmed that it has formally opened coalition negotiations with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA), with a joint manifesto already under preparation.
The confirmation brings to an end months of speculation over when the two parties would begin formal discussions after repeated delays in setting up a joint technical committee.
The process had been slowed by changing political developments, disagreements within ODM, competing interests from leaders and intense lobbying by members seeking to secure positions in the team.
The contest for the committee became highly competitive, with those involved viewing it as an important platform that could shape future political decisions and influence the formation of the next government.
Speaking in Ugunja, Siaya County, during the burial of Daniel Oluoch Wandayi, brother to Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, ODM leader Oburu Oginga said both parties had settled on five representatives each to lead the negotiations.
"President Ruto and I have formed a technical team to steer the talks. The team has already started work on a joint manifesto, which will combine the policies of ODM and UDA and will be ready before the end of the year," Dr Oginga said.
The announcement follows an agreement reached in January when ODM and UDA declared their intention to establish a team that would negotiate the framework for a political coalition ahead of the next General Election.
Earlier, while unveiling the report on the 10-point agenda, President Ruto had proposed an eight-member committee to spearhead the discussions, signalling the beginning of efforts to formalise cooperation between the two political parties.
Dr Oginga also spoke about the late Raila Odinga, saying his brother secured ODM's entry into government through negotiations that resulted in the party being allocated Cabinet positions.
He said Raila's death left a leadership gap within the party but added that he had since developed his own approach to guiding ODM.
According to the Siaya senator, every political party exists to seek power, adding that ODM's current working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration is aimed at achieving that objective.
He said the party now has "one leg in the government" and intends to continue working with its partners as it pursues the goal of forming a government after the 2027 General Election.