President William Ruto has hinted at the formation of a political alliance with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party as part of efforts to secure his re-election in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Friday at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay Town, where he presided over the Genowa Governor’s Cup—an annual sports tournament organised by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga—President Ruto said discussions were already underway to establish a new political alliance that would form the next government.

The President urged ODM leaders to strengthen their party to enable it to become a formidable political force, even as he reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and the wider Kenya Kwanza coalition.

“I tell members of ODM to be ready. On our side as UDA and Kenya Kwanza, we are also ready. Let us strategise and join hands in forming a government that will make Kenya a first-world country,” Ruto said.

Ruto also took aim at his political opponents, urging them to abandon campaigns rooted in hostility and instead focus on development-oriented agendas that address the needs of ordinary Kenyans.

“I tell my opponents to tell Kenyans their agenda. Let them stop campaigning based on abstract issues which cannot add value in the lives of Kenyans,” he said.

He added that voters would not be swayed by superficial considerations, arguing that leadership should be judged on tangible development outcomes rather than appearances or rhetoric.

“Some of those who are vying for the presidency have worked in government for 40 years yet they have done nothing for Kenyans. We don’t want unnecessary side shows in the name of campaigns,” Ruto noted.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna were among ODM leaders present, alongside ODM veteran Oburu Odinga, who assured the President of the party’s commitment to cooperation within the broad-based government framework.

“As ODM, we will work in the broad-based government until 2027 to support President Ruto,” Oburu said.

Governor Gladys Wanga, however, used the occasion to criticise former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of attempting to destabilise the ODM party.

“I tell our former President to stop sending machinery to destroy ODM. We collaborated with him in the handshake government, but he never gave us the development projects the current government is delivering in our region,” Wanga said.

The remarks underscore the shifting political dynamics ahead of the 2027 polls, with signals of possible realignments that could reshape Kenya’s political landscape.