Ruto eyes 2-million vote landslide with ODM deal

President William Ruto has said his administration is seeking a broader political coalition with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as part of a strategy to secure a decisive victory in the next general election and consolidate national unity.

Speaking during the National Governing Council meeting on Monday, Ruto recalled the narrow margin of his 2022 victory and said the next election must deliver a significantly larger mandate.

“The last election we won with a margin of about 200,000 votes. This election, we want to move to a margin of two million,” the President said, adding that there was justification to bring the country together after years of political contestation.

Ruto argued that Kenya had reached a point where inclusive governance was necessary, saying leadership should not be treated as a zero-sum game.

“From the position where I sit, there is enough for every Kenyan. One does not need to miss out for another to get. There is an opportunity for us to fit in one government,” he said.

The President maintained that his administration had a strong development record and a clear vision for the country’s future, citing progress in energy generation and infrastructure development. 

However, he said political stability and unity were essential to safeguard these gains.

“We have what it takes to win the next election and win it resoundingly so that we can move into the future. We have a good scorecard and a good plan of transforming Kenya — from generating energy to infrastructure — but we need a political strategy to consolidate the gains we are making,” Ruto said

He added that a negotiated coalition with ODM would provide the political foundation needed to advance the government’s agenda.

“That is what a coalition with ODM will now underwrite — our transformation going into the future. It is the reason why we have asked you to come here so that we agree and go back and do proper elections,” he said, noting that the proposal would be presented to the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) for approval.

Ruto said the aim of the talks was to pursue a negotiated coalition that would strengthen governance, enhance stability and allow the government to fully implement its long-term development plans.

The National Governing Council is chaired by Party Leader President William Ruto, assisted by Deputy Party Leader Kithure Kindiki and Governor Isa Timamy.

The Council brings together all elected and nominated leaders of the party; Governors, Members of the Bicameral Parliament (National Assembly and Senate), Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and the National Executive Committee (NEC).