Ruto, Oburu lead Broadbased Parliamentary Group meeting at Naivasha

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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. 

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