• Samuel Atandi, Chair Budget and Appropriation committee hits at a possible alliance between President Ruto’s UDA and Raila’s ODM in 2027

Gem: National Assembly Budget Committee Chairperson Samuel Atandi has stirred political debate after hinting at a potential coalition between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election — with Ruto as the joint presidential candidate.

Speaking during a women empowerment event at Mutumbu Primary School in Gem Yala sub-county, Atandi declared that the two parties are likely to join forces to back Ruto’s second-term bid.

“We are going to form an alliance with the President William Ruto-led UDA in 2027, and we shall have him re-elected to serve his second term,” said Atandi.

The event was organized by area MP Elisha Odhiambo, who has also in the past expressed openness to political realignment.

Atandi further argued that ODM owed President Ruto a political gesture, recalling his support for ODM leader Raila Odinga during the 2007 General Election.

“We owe President Ruto a token of appreciation. He stood with Raila Odinga in 2007, and the latter became Prime Minister,” he said.

His remarks come amid shifting allegiances and growing calls for unity across party lines ahead of 2027, with some leaders pushing for pragmatic coalitions over rigid partisan politics.

Pro-Ruto voices at the event also took aim at opposition figures advocating for a one-term presidency agenda, dismissing the notion as baseless and lacking national interest.

Atandi’s statement is expected to stir reactions both within ODM and the wider opposition Azimio coalition, where sentiments remain mixed over any political engagement with President Ruto.