Oketch Salah Calls for Structured ODM-UDA Talks, Rejects Political Ultimatums

Oketch Salah, a close ally of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has called for structured talks between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), cautioning against preconditions and ultimatums in negotiations over a possible political pact.

Salah said Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo’s remarks on the proposed alliance had been misunderstood, adding that negotiations should be guided by mutual respect and the interests of both parties.

He said ODM remained a national political party with a substantial following across the country and should have its identity, mandate and political interests protected in any agreement with UDA.

“ODM is a national party with a massive following across the country. Supporting President Ruto should not be confused with surrendering our identity, mandate and political space,” he said.

Salah also rejected what he described as an attempt to reduce ODM’s interests to a simple power-sharing arrangement, drawing parallels with the “share yetu” position previously advanced by impeached former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

He argued that ODM’s participation in a coalition should go beyond the allocation of government positions to include the broader political aspirations of its supporters.

According to Salah, any sustainable partnership must recognise ODM’s contribution to national politics and establish clear guarantees on how the party’s priorities would be addressed in a possible coalition government.

His remarks come amid ongoing discussions over relations between ODM and UDA and the possibility of a formal political arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Salah said ODM leaders had a responsibility to ensure the party’s supporters were adequately represented in decisions that could shape its political future.

“Any agreement must take care of the interests of millions of ODM supporters. Baba understood the responsibility he carried, and our collective interests must be presented at the negotiating table,” he said.