Kericho County Senator and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) troops in what appears to be a rare show of unity and collaboration between the UDA and ODM parties.
On Saturday, November 8, Cheruiyot, a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), accompanied Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi to Ugunja, Siaya County, where they celebrated women in business.
Cheruiyot, who is a close ally of President William Ruto, emphasized the role of successful women entrepreneurs.
“This afternoon, I accompanied leaders, including Energy Cabinet Secretary Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, to Ugunja, Siaya County, to celebrate and support women entrepreneurs by providing resources and opportunities for them to thrive in their crafts. The success of women in business is crucial for overall economic growth and social change, where they will have a strong voice, freedom of choice, and numerous opportunities at their disposal,” Aaron Cheruiyot said.
Interestingly, the Senate Majority Leader was donned in an ODM cap, raising eyebrows over whether the UDA senator was shifting allegiance from the ruling party. Also present was Kikuyu Member of Parliament and National Assembly Speaker Kimani Ichungwah, who also wore the Orange Democratic Movement cap.
Kenyans on social media were quick to react, questioning whether it was a sign of unity in the coming days between the UDA faction and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as the country heads toward the 2027 General Election.
Reactions
“We were the founders of ODM,” Nicholas Kossy, a supporter of Senator Cheruiyot, claimed, adding that he is one of the party’s founders.
Elvis Betoo: “Come 2027, most politicians from Rift, including the president, will be using ODM.”
Denis Thruba claimed President Ruto’s allies are slowly shifting from UDA to ODM: “Ruto’s lieutenants are shifting from UDA to ODM.”
Another user, Kipkemoi Langat Jokila, said: “ODM lazima waunde serikali ijayo; UDA imekwisha.”
Samwel Rotich: “By 2032, wote wako ODM, forming a strong government.“
Will ODM and UDA work together beyond 2027?
Earlier this year, the late Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga signed a pact with President William Ruto’s UDA to work together. This came months after Ruto appointed several of Raila’s allies to the Cabinet, including former governors Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, as well as Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi.
Kimani Ichungwah Facebook
However, following the death of the former premier, a section of ODM members has not been on good terms with the ruling UDA party. Just recently, acting party leader Oburu Odinga rallied ODM members to unite and work together to ensure the party has a strong voice in 2027 and beyond. Oburu stated that the ODM party will either field a presidential candidate or produce a running mate in the forthcoming polls.
