Ruto Urges Unity in Kisumu as UDA-ODM Coalition Gains Momentum

By Kepher Otieno - Reporter

Kenya, 30 January 2026 - President William Ruto on Friday urged Kenyans to reject leaders propagating the politics of hatred and tribalism.

The President said there was more to gain in unity among Kenyans than divisive politics.

Speaking in Kondele grounds in Kisumu County, on Friday, the President said political division and tribalism are not helpful in nation building.

"The reason I appointed a broad-based Cabinet is to bring all Kenyans together so that we can all work for the prosperity of our country," he said.

He said the broad-based government has offered the country a unique opportunity to integrate a better Kenya.

Saying his critics have nothing new to offer Kenyans, the President pointed out that opposing government projects have no alternative plans for the country.

"Our competitors are opposing our development plans for the sake of it. But they have no alternative agenda for the country," President Ruto said.

At the same time, the President said plans were on for UDA and ODM to form a coalition ahead of 2027 General Election.

He told ODM supporters to embrace the plan for a merger, saying it would be a major step in national unity and victory in the next election by a bigger margin.

"I ask you to give me the go-ahead to meet ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga over coalition plans ahead of 2027," he said.

Leaders from the region, led by Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko and several MPs said ODM was ready to work with UDA ahead of the next election.

"We have given permission to party leader Oburu Oginga to enter into coalition negotiations with UDA," Mr Ayacko pointed out.

Earlier, President Ruto presided over the 5th graduation ceremony at Uzima University in Kisumu County.

The President said the university has grown steadily, setting its sights on excellence, relevance, and service to society.

He noted that the institution has distinguished itself as an eminent university, helping shape medical training.

"This growth is not accidental. It is a reminder that we must remain bold and consistently ambitious, never settling for average standards, mediocrity, or short-term thinking," he said.

Congratulating the graduates, President Ruto said they had acquired the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of evolving healthcare needs.

"As graduands, you should serve with skill, integrity, and compassion and help shape both your own future, the future of your communities and our nation," he said.

Uzima University founder the Most Rev Zacchaeus Okoth thanked the government for implementing Universal Health Coverage through Social Health Authority, saying it is "a passionate healthcare system for the country".

Later, President Ruto inspected the ongoing construction of phase one affordable housing units at Upper Kanyakwar in Kisumu County.

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The President said the government has a solid plan to transform Kisumu as part of the wider journey of making Kenya a first-world economy.

"In Kisumu County alone, we have committed KSh 44 billion to deliver 14,000 affordable housing units, 20 modern markets, and student hostels for 10,200 learners. In the process, 15,000 jobs have been created for young people," he explained.

Additionally, the government has allocated a further KSh5 billion for roads in the county, and an additional KSh950 million to upgrade Moi Stadium into a modern facility. governance, development messaging, and coalition politics, underscoring his continued push to recast himself as a unifying national figure while deepening inroads into opposition strongholds.

Speaking at Kondele Grounds alongside regional leaders, including Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, several MPs from the Nyanza region, and local UDA and ODM officials, the President urged Kenyans to reject politics anchored on tribalism and division. He argued that unity remains essential to nation-building and economic progress, a message delivered in a region long associated with opposition politics.

Ruto defended the formation of a broad-based Cabinet, saying it was intended to bring together leaders from across the political divide in order to stabilize governance and focus on development. He framed the arrangement as an opportunity for Kenyans to move beyond entrenched political rivalries and work collectively toward national prosperity.

The President also took aim at his critics, accusing them of opposing government development projects without presenting alternative policy proposals.

According to Ruto, resistance to his administration’s agenda has been driven more by political hostility than by substantive disagreements over development priorities.

A key highlight of the Kisumu rally was Ruto’s confirmation of ongoing plans for a possible UDA–ODM coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Addressing ODM supporters, he urged them to support talks aimed at forming a united political front, describing such an alliance as a major step toward national cohesion and electoral success.

Governor Ochilo Ayacko, speaking on behalf of leaders from the region, publicly endorsed the coalition discussions, stating that ODM was ready to engage UDA in negotiations.

He confirmed that party leader Oburu Oginga had been given the mandate to pursue coalition talks, signaling growing acceptance of political cooperation with the ruling party among sections of ODM leadership.

Earlier in the day, President Ruto presided over the fifth graduation ceremony at Uzima University, where he was joined by the institution’s founder, the Most Rev Zacchaeus Okoth.

He praised the university’s growth and its contribution to medical training, linking its progress to broader healthcare reforms under the government’s Universal Health Coverage programme.

The President later inspected ongoing affordable housing projects at Upper Kanyakwar, accompanied by local leaders and government officials.

He outlined major investments in Kisumu County, including housing units, markets, student hostels, road construction, and the upgrade of Moi Stadium, presenting them as evidence of the government’s commitment to transforming the region.

Taken together, the Kisumu engagements reflected President Ruto’s broader approach of combining political outreach with visible development initiatives.

By sharing the platform with ODM leaders and highlighting state investments in the region, the President reinforced his message of inclusion while signaling that cross-party cooperation may increasingly define Kenya’s political landscape ahead of 2027.