By Caren Owino, Kisumu
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has said that they are going to form a political pact with President William Ruto’s UDA party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the same time, the party luminaries also asked the government to ensure the safety of learners in boarding schools is guaranteed following an inferno at Utumishi Girls High school that left 16 learners dead.
Led by its party leader Oburu Oginga and Gladys Wanga (Chairperson) appeared to convince their supporters that they will form an alliance with the ruling party, on grounds that they will share equally the government.
The Linda Ground faction was speaking at Kirembe grounds in Kisumu County on Sunday.
“We reaffirm our commitment to staying in the broad based government and in Government now and in the future and building partnerships to capture power,” said Governor Wanga while reading the resolutions, adding, “We call for full implementation of the 10 point agenda in particular the question of compensation of victims of post-election violence,”
She added: “”The people of this region remain united and indivisible. Any present or future political engagement will be pursued through ODM, which remains our collective political vehicle and the platform through which we shall advance our shared political aspirations.”
Echoing her remarks, Dr Oginga, told supporters that ODM was prepared to support Ruto in the 2027 General Election as part of a broader coalition strategy.
“We are not entering this arrangement blindly. ODM is pursuing a partnership that will guarantee the party a meaningful share in government and ensure our supporters benefit from national decision-making,” Oginga said.
He argued that the current political partnership differed from previous agreements that had left ODM feeling short-changed after elections.
“This time, we have clear commitments and we believe they will be honoured. ODM will have an opportunity to play a more direct role in governance and development for the benefit of our people,” he said.
The ODM leaders also called upon the government to ensure safety for all learners in boarding schools.
This comes just a few days a fire tragedy at Utumishi Academy in Gilgil that left 16 girls dead while 76 others nursing life threatening injuries.
ODM leaders said the incident had exposed persistent gaps in the implementation of safety measures in learning institutions and called for urgent action to prevent similar tragedies.
“The tragedy at Utumishi Academy has laid bare serious shortcomings in the enforcement of school safety standards. We call for immediate action to address these gaps and ensure that no family has to endure such a loss again,” Governor Simba Arati said.
Mr Arati, who also doubles as the ODM deputy party leader urged the government to prioritise the welfare and protection of learners, describing school safety as a national responsibility that cannot be ignored.
“The safety and wellbeing of our children must remain a national priority. The government must strengthen oversight, enforce safety regulations and guarantee that every learner studies in a secure environment,” said Arati
