Junet Defends ODM-UDA Alliance, Says Bigger Parties Offer More Government Positions

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has defended continued cooperation between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), arguing that major political parties have greater influence when government positions are shared. He has urged smaller parties to consider the political influence they may lose when key decisions are made by larger formations.

Speaking at a political gathering on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Junet suggested that ODM and UDA could work together in forming the next government. His remarks come as political leaders continue debating alliances and possible partnerships ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Junet Calls for ODM Unity

The legislator questioned whether leaders operating through smaller political parties could secure meaningful influence in national decision-making. He argued that political strength and party unity could improve the chances of supporters benefiting from government opportunities.

Junet also urged ODM members to remain united and share opportunities secured through the party. He said members should maintain the spirit of togetherness associated with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“We want to stay together as Baba left us, and whatever ODM gets as a party, let us share as the ODM community and family,” Junet said, emphasising the importance of collective political interests.

Six Cabinet Positions Cited as Example

To support his position, Junet pointed to ODM's participation in the broad-based government and claimed the arrangement had secured six Cabinet positions for the party. He cited Wycliffe Oparanya, Hassan Joho, Beatrice and John Mbadi among leaders who had obtained Cabinet appointments through the arrangement.

Junet presented the appointments as an example of how political cooperation could provide opportunities for leaders from different communities. He argued that working through a larger political arrangement could help parties negotiate representation within government.

The remarks reflect an argument advanced by supporters of the broad-based government, who view cooperation as a route to greater political participation. However, the extent of ODM's influence and the terms of any future alliance remain subjects of political discussion.

Gachagua Drawn Into Political Debate

Junet also criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while discussing the distribution of Cabinet positions. He suggested that a government formed around a narrower political base could concentrate appointments among leaders from one region.

In his remarks, Junet argued that the six positions he attributed to ODM might have been filled by people from Gachagua's region under a different political arrangement. The comments added to the wider debate over regional representation, coalition-building and the role of smaller parties in national politics.

As the 2027 elections approach, ODM's relationship with UDA is likely to remain a key issue in discussions about political alliances. Junet's latest remarks underline his support for cooperation between the two parties and his call for ODM members to remain united as negotiations over future leadership arrangements continue.