Billions First, Talks Later: ODM Sets Tough Conditions for UDA Coalition Deal

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is drawing a firm line in the sand, setting steep conditions before even considering pre-election coalition talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). At the heart of their demand is a massive financial settlement; the party insists that the government release billions of shillings it claims are owed to them.

During a high-level party retreat at the Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa, ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati made it clear that the National Treasury must settle all outstanding arrears from the Political Parties Fund before any negotiations begin. This strategic gathering brought together over 70 MPs, governors, cabinet secretaries, and members of the National Executive Council as the party designs its roadmap for the 2027 general election.

Arati rallied the party leadership to prioritize the party’s financial independence over political alliances, stating:

“We are saying one thing here: the money that the government owes us should be given to our party. We will not have any talks with the UDA. MPs, you are here, you are the people who make the national budget. The government has our money, and that cash is what we want to be given. We need that cash to run our party. As we move forward, we will not talk about anything else.”

The party claims the National Treasury owes it approximately Sh12 billion in unpaid allocations from the Political Parties Fund, an amount that has reportedly accumulated over several years. Party officials argue these delays cripple their operations, especially at the grassroots level, where mobilization efforts require consistent financial backing.

The Political Parties Act of 2011 mandates the government to allocate 0.3 percent of its annual revenue to eligible political parties. This fund, managed by the Registrar of Political Parties, exists to support party activities, bolster democratic processes, and encourage healthy political competition.

However, ODM leaders accuse the government of weaponizing the National Treasury by deliberately withholding these funds to weaken the opposition. Having previously sought legal intervention, the party maintains that timely disbursements are vital for a level political playing field.

The Mombasa retreat serves as a cornerstone of ODM’s broader activation drive, designed to fortify its internal structures and broaden its reach across the country. By gathering its top brass at the coast, the party hopes to re-energize its base and solidify its presence at the grassroots level ahead of the next electoral cycle.

However, this strategic push occurs as the party navigates significant internal friction. Leaders remain divided over the party’s future trajectory, debating whether to adopt a cooperative partnership with the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration or maintain a confrontational stance to preserve its identity as the primary opposition force.

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