The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has called for a fresh, structured political agreement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to preserve Kenya’s multiparty democracy.
ODM Vice Chairperson Otiende Amollo insists the party must not be absorbed into UDA despite being part of the broad-based government formed under the Raila-Ruto pact.
His remarks come after President Ruto promised to “guide and protect” ODM during Raila Odinga’s burial. This statement has stirred debate about the party’s independence and the future of the ODM-UDA Agreement.

ODM-UDA Agreement and the Future of Multiparty Democracy
Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo has reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to maintaining its autonomy within the broad-based government formed through the Raila-Ruto partnership.
Speaking on Spice FM, Amollo said ODM’s participation in the current government should not be mistaken for a merger with the ruling UDA. He warned that dissolving the party’s independent structure would undermine decades of democratic progress achieved through Kenya’s multiparty system.
According to Amollo, ODM’s cooperation with President Ruto should instead evolve into a new political agreement that respects the identity and ideology of both parties.
He explained that such an agreement would protect ODM from political absorption and ensure that collaboration remains guided by clear, negotiated terms. “ODM must remain strong and independent. A merger with UDA would weaken Kenya’s democracy and erase what Raila Odinga stood for,” he said.
ODM Rejects Absorption Into UDA
Otiende Amollo dismissed speculation that President Ruto was becoming ODM’s de facto leader following Raila Odinga’s death. He emphasized that ODM’s leadership remains intact and is guided by its constitution.
“In my understanding, the President did not mean that he was speaking for ODM when he said he would ensure we remain strong. Certainly, the President cannot be the spokesperson for ODM,” he clarified.
Amollo added that both parties can remain politically strong only if they maintain their independence. “For UDA to be strong, ODM must be strong as well. We must not allow ourselves to be swallowed,” he stressed.
He reiterated that ODM’s support for Ruto’s administration in the coming elections would depend on mutual respect and structured negotiations rather than blind loyalty or political absorption.
New Negotiations Needed Before 2027 Elections
“If President Ruto so decides that he still needs ODM’s support in 2027, then we must enter structured negotiations again. We need to be clear on the gains made and the bargaining points to advance governance and fair representation,” Amollo stated.
He urged the President to maintain a hands-off approach to ODM’s internal operations, stressing that the party must be free to make independent decisions. “The President just needs to maintain non-interference with ODM as a party,” he remarked.
ODM Confident in Raila-Ruto Pact Implementation
Despite the loss of Raila Odinga, Otiende Amollo expressed confidence that the political pact between the former opposition leader and President Ruto remains intact.
He revealed that the joint committee established by the two leaders to oversee the ten-point agreement is still operational and has been making progress in implementing key commitments.
Amollo said ODM remains focused on ensuring that the broad-based government delivers on its promises to Kenyans, including constitutional reforms, devolution strengthening, and youth empowerment.
He also dismissed talk of an immediate search for a new Luo political kingpin, saying leadership will evolve naturally with time. “Leadership is not declared overnight. It will emerge organically when the time is right,” he added.
Amollo’s remarks come at a critical moment for ODM, which faces internal pressure to redefine its future without Raila’s direct leadership while balancing cooperation with Ruto’s administration.