The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has called for the immediate settlement of debts it says are owed to the party by the government before any coalition talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) proceed.
Speaking on Sunday, May 3, in Mombasa, ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati emphasized that the party will not engage in formal negotiations with UDA unless the outstanding financial obligations are first addressed.
Arati insisted that the payment of the alleged debt is a key precondition for any future political engagement between the two parties, describing it as a non-negotiable priority for ODM.
ODM issues new demands to UDA ahead of coalition negotiations. Photo: Courtesy.
He also assured party members that he remains committed to ensuring that any forthcoming coalition discussions with UDA are conducted in a fair and structured manner once the issue of the debt is resolved.
Arati went on to note that the party will ensure all matters in its proposed engagement with the ruling UDA party are handled transparently, with no hidden agendas during discussions.
According to the Deputy Party Leader, the talks will be guided by openness and fairness, stressing that all issues will be addressed directly between the two sides.
He further noted that ODM, alongside Party Leader Oburu Oginga, will push for structured and transparent negotiations once they commence.
The remarks come amid reports that the National Treasury owes ODM over KSh 12.6 billion from the Political Parties Fund, with the party previously threatening legal action over the matter in August 2025.
Notably, the development follows a recent meeting at State House, Nairobi, between President William Ruto, UDA officials, and ODM representatives, where discussions focused on cooperation and shared political interests.
During the meeting, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga and her UDA counterpart Cecily Mbarire were assigned new roles to facilitate ongoing consultations between the two parties.
The parties agreed that the respective chairpersons will continue holding structured and regular engagements across their party organs to strengthen coordination.
They also resolved to establish a Broad-Based Management Committee comprising party leaders, selected Cabinet Secretaries, and parliamentary leadership from both sides.
The committee will be responsible for aligning the government’s legislative and executive agenda to enhance coordination and improve service delivery, while both parties reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue, unity, and inclusive governance.
