Broad-Based Leaders Head to Naivasha for Crucial Coalition Talks
Senior figures from the broad-based alliance are preparing to gather in Naivasha for a three-day retreat that begins this Sunday evening, aiming to strengthen their partnership well ahead of the 2027 general election.
The closed-door sessions, expected to run through Monday afternoon, will address several pressing matters that have lingered within the partnership. National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah confirmed the schedule, noting that participants will check in on Sunday evening and continue discussions until 4 pm the following day. The gathering also comes as President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement leader Oburu Oginga prepare for separate engagements with governors, deputy governors, members of parliament and speakers aligned with the broad-based arrangement.
At the heart of the agenda lies the formal launch of coalition negotiations between the two main parties involved. Leaders plan to create a dedicated team that will handle detailed talks on power-sharing arrangements and other structural questions. Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo made clear that ODM views the deputy president position as non-negotiable, stating that if one side fields the presidential candidate, the other must supply the running mate. He added that the party will not yield on this point during the retreat. Such firm positions reflect the determination on both sides to translate the current working relationship into a lasting electoral pact.
Beyond the running-mate question, the retreat will examine a wider set of outstanding items. These include progress on the NADCO report recommendations, the still-unresolved matter of compensation for those affected by earlier protests, and the recently launched Vision 2060 development blueprint. Participants also intend to begin shaping a shared manifesto that can present a united development message to citizens across the country. Ichung’wah emphasized that those already inside the broad-based government share a clear understanding of the path they wish to follow in the coming year.
The timing of the meeting is significant. The administration has faced continuous criticism from opposition forces, prompting broad-based leaders to seek a sharper strategy for nationwide outreach in support of the president. Madzayo expressed ODM’s eagerness to clarify exactly how the partnership will advance, while Ichung’wah spoke of formatting a concrete plan for the months leading up to the election. Both men conveyed confidence that the two parties can together form the next government, provided the negotiations produce mutually acceptable terms.
As the leaders arrive in Naivasha, the atmosphere is one of purposeful preparation rather than open conflict. The retreat offers a structured opportunity to settle internal questions, establish negotiation mechanisms, and present a more cohesive front. A press briefing is expected once the sessions conclude on Monday, at which point the public will learn the immediate outcomes. Whatever specific agreements emerge, the gathering signals that the broad-based partners are treating the path to 2027 with growing seriousness and a shared desire to convert their current cooperation into lasting political strength.
