Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has defended the growing cooperation between the Orange Democratic Movement and the United Democratic Alliance, insisting the party will not return to the opposition despite emerging divisions within ODM over the new political direction.
In a statement that signals the deepening political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, Junet said ODM was strengthening alliances with leaders and political formations that share similar development goals.
“We are building and solidifying our alliance with like-minded leaders and political formations,” he said.
Junet declared that the party would remain united behind Oburu Odinga, whom he said is guiding the party toward electoral strength and positioning it for the 2027 election.
“We will stay loyal behind Dr. Oburu Odinga as he solely guides our party to electoral strength and deliver the 2027 election for ODM and its alliance partners,” he said.
The legislator also defended the cooperation between ODM and UDA, arguing that the partnership was helping deliver development to Kenyans.
“The ODM-UDA alliance is serving our people and delivering development and prosperity,” Junet said.
His remarks come at a time when ODM is grappling with internal divisions over its relationship with President William Ruto’s administration.
Some leaders within the party have openly questioned the wisdom of working closely with the government, warning that the move risks weakening ODM’s identity as a key opposition force.
The divisions have been particularly visible in the party’s traditional stronghold of Nyanza, where sections of leaders and supporters remain skeptical about cooperation with the ruling party. Critics argue that ODM risks losing political ground if it becomes too closely aligned with the government.
Others, however, have defended the engagement with the administration, saying it allows the region to benefit from national development programmes while maintaining ODM’s political relevance.
Junet’s remarks appear aimed at calming the tensions within the party while signalling that the leadership has already chosen its political path.
President Ruto has in recent months intensified political outreach in the Nyanza region, a traditional support base of Raila Odinga, in what analysts say is part of a broader strategy to reshape alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
By insisting that ODM will not return to the opposition or form coalitions with groups opposed to national unity and inclusion, Junet suggested the party is positioning itself within a broader political arrangement aligned with the government.
“The ODM Party will not return to opposition nor form coalitions with those opposed to national unity, national inclusion, equal opportunities and equitable development of Kenya,” he said.
