President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga have summoned governors, deputy governors and Members of Parliament aligned to the broad-based arrangement for a three-day retreat in Naivasha as the two parties seek to strengthen their working relationship and prepare for the political battles ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The high-level meeting comes as the Kenya Kwanza administration faces sustained attacks from the united opposition and the emerging Linda Mwananchi movement, which have stepped up campaigns aimed at denying Dr Ruto a second and final term.

Sources familiar with the plans said the retreat will provide an opportunity for the leaders to assess the government’s performance, review key achievements and shortcomings, and craft a common political message as the country edges closer to the election period.

The Nation has established that the gathering will also seek to build consensus around ongoing coalition talks between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which are expected to formalise a pre-election alliance.

The two parties have been engaged in discussions on establishing a joint technical committee to negotiate the terms of the coalition, including the sharing of government positions and the selection of Dr Ruto’s running mate.

President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga at the United Democratic Alliance (UDA)-Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Joint Parliamentary Group meeting at the Kenya International Convention Centre, Nairobi.

Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group

ODM has repeatedly indicated that it is ready to nominate its negotiating team, although sources within the party say progress has been slowed by delays on the UDA side.

Despite working together under the broad-based arrangement, UDA and ODM have recently clashed over political zoning and competition for influence in traditional strongholds. The debate over Dr Ruto’s running mate has also generated friction after some ODM leaders publicly backed Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya for the position.

In a letter dated August 4, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed invited MPs allied to the broad-based arrangement to a parliamentary group meeting at Lake Naivasha Resort. The leaders are expected to check in on Sunday and leave on Tuesday.

“This is to inform all members of the broad-based parliamentary group that a meeting has been scheduled to take place in Naivasha, Nakuru County, from August 10 and 11, 2026,” reads the letter.

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga addresses supporters at Kanyadhiang Primary School in Karachuonyo Constituency on August 1, 2026.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group

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“Parliamentary business and inter-party/coalition affairs will form part of the meeting agenda. A detailed programme and agenda will be circulated separately.”

UDA and ODM have also separately invited their governors and deputy governors to participate in the retreat.

The meeting comes as President Ruto continues to host various political delegations at State House in a bid to consolidate support for his re-election campaign. The rise of the Linda Mwananchi movement, fronted by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders, has injected fresh momentum into the opposition, prompting the President and Dr Oginga to intensify consultations with their allies.

According to Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, ODM MPs associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement have not been invited to the retreat.

Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi confirmed receiving an invitation but said participants were yet to receive the detailed programme.

“I don’t know the agenda, but I guess that will come from the party leaders or from the leadership,” he said.

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