Skip to main content

Ruto, Oburu lead Broadbased Parliamentary Group meeting at Naivasha

President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga are leading a joint Broad-Based Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting/retreat in Naivasha, Nakuru County. 

The two-day retreat brings together lawmakers and leaders from the Kenya Kwanza/UDA side and ODM (plus affiliates) under the broad-based government arrangement formed after political engagements involving the late Raila Odinga. It includes more than 250 National Assembly members and about 45 senators, plus governors, Cabinet Secretaries, and party officials. 

Attendees have included Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Health CS Aden Duale, governors such as Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Cecily Mbarire (Embu) and Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi), plus party secretaries-general and others.

Purpose and agenda of the meeting

It focuses on strengthening the UDA–ODM partnership ahead of the 2027 general election (roughly a year away), harmonising the legislative agenda in both houses of Parliament, reviewing progress on government programmes and the 10-point agenda (linked to the National Dialogue Committee/Nadco process), discussing inter-party/coalition affairs, political strategy, grassroots mobilisation, and formalising cooperation. 

Reports indicate plans for a negotiation team (possibly 10 members, five from each side) on power-sharing and related issues.

ODM has pushed for a larger stake, including the deputy president position (with Oburu among those who have publicly referenced interest in “number two”), a roughly 50-50 share of positions, and protection of traditional strongholds. 

UDA has backed retaining Kindiki. The meeting also comes amid opposition efforts to unite against Ruto and after a recent by-election setback for the broad-based camp.

Key remarks

Ruto described the broad-based arrangement as Kenya’s second-largest political formation after the 2008 grand coalition, with over 250 MPs. 

He called for a minute of silence in honour of the late Raila Odinga, praised ODM (his former party) for prioritising the nation at a critical time, said the hybrid of Azimio/ODM and Kenya Kwanza ideas had accelerated delivery on housing, universal health coverage and other priorities, and insisted the camp “must win” in 2027 for the country’s sake, warning that the alternative lacked a clear plan. 

He indicated the broad-based setup could evolve into a formal coalition.

Oburu contrasted the current partnership (with ODM holding Cabinet and other senior roles) favourably against the earlier “handshake” with Uhuru Kenyatta (which he said yielded no CS/PS positions, only a presidency promise). 

He urged ODM members not to be “fence-sitters,” called for honesty about any concerns, and noted the unusual nature of former competitors now sitting together. Dr Oburu Oginga briefly abandoned a prepared speech mid-delivery, saying “my eyes are failing me,” drawing laughter before continuing.

The retreat is framed as strategy and cohesion-building as Parliament prepares for government Bills and as the 2027 campaign season approaches. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kenyans surprised over UDA's 'Voters Repair' remarks for President Ruto 2027 reelection

 Kenyans are reacting strongly to remarks by some UDA leaders that many interpret as hints at election manipulation ("ukarabati ya kura" / "voters repair") ahead of the 2027 presidential election. What Happened On or around May 23, 2026, NTV Kenya and other outlets aired footage from a UDA meeting at Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula's home.  Leaders including Savula and MP Charles Gimose reportedly used phrases like "tutafanya ukarabati ya kura" (we will repair/do maintenance on the votes).  Some comments referenced high victory margins in places like Tanzania under Samia Suluhu or Museveni-style wins. This has been widely seen as implying plans to "fix" or pad results in favor of President William Ruto's reelection, rather than a literal call for better voter registration or system maintenance. Public Reaction 1. Surprise and outrage: Many Kenyans on X and social media expressed shock, viewing it as arrogant or desperate signaling am...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to commercialize your prototype innovation in Kenya

Commercializing a prototype in Kenya involves transforming your innovation from a proof-of-concept stage into a marketable product or service that generates revenue. This process requires protecting your intellectual property (IP), validating market demand, securing funding, and selecting the right business model.  Kenya has a supportive ecosystem with government agencies, grants, and innovation hubs to help.  Below is a step-by-step guide based on established practices and resources. 1. Protect Your Intellectual Property (IP) Before commercialization, safeguard your innovation to prevent copying. In Kenya, IP protection is handled by the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI). Register your IP : File for patents, trademarks, copyrights, or industrial designs. Patents are crucial for inventions and provide a 20-year monopoly.  Start with a patent search to ensure novelty, then apply via KIPI's online portal. Costs range from KSh 3,000–50,000 depending on the type. Why...
Post a Comment
Read more

Important steps to be taken when buying Land in Kenya

  Land is a vital asset and acquiring it requires utmost caution to avoid finding yourself in a protracted, unending legal battle. As Kenya's economy bites, there has been increased cases of land fraud.  Land disputes have been so rampant, hence the need for advocacy of future land buyers to be cautious when undertaking land transfer processes. Factors to consider when purchasing land in Kenya 1. Do a land search at the ministry of lands. This enables you to confirm the real owner of the land and know whether it has any legal dispute, loan or unpaid tax. 2. Site visit: Make sure you see the land physically and confirm its boundaries. 3. Land verification: Verify the authenticity of the property at the land registry and confirm if it is freehold, leasehold or communal. 4. Sale agreement: Engage a lawyer and a surveyor for legally sound transaction. 5. Land transfer: Make sure the original titledeed is transferred from the name of the seller to your name. 6. Register your land w...
Post a Comment
Read more