In a bold move that could reshape Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election, Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho is set to lead a high-powered team of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) experts in crucial negotiations with President William Samoei Ruto on a potential power-sharing deal.
Sources close to the party, including statements from ODM figures like Oburu Oginga, indicate that Joho, the Mining and Blue Economy CS and a key coastal political heavyweight, will front the talks. The discussions aim to hammer out terms for deeper cooperation between ODM and President Ruto’s government, building on the existing broad-based arrangement initiated under the late Raila Odinga. This comes amid reports of ODM pushing for significant concessions, including demands for the Deputy President slot or other high-level positions in a renewed coalition framework.
The Standard reported that Joho’s selection stems from his strategic importance, his role in the current administration, and his ability to bridge coastal interests with national dynamics. As one of the most visible ODM faces in the Cabinet, Joho is positioned as the ideal point man to navigate the delicate balance between maintaining party loyalty and securing tangible gains for ODM supporters.
But the big question buzzing in political circles, especially in Nyanza: Will Siaya’s senior counsel and Rarieda MP Paul Otiende Amollo join this elite negotiation squad?
Despite Amollo’s prominent role in ODM—serving as a vice chairperson and vocal defender of the party’s principles—no public announcements or credible reports confirm his inclusion in the Joho-led team. Amollo, a sharp legal mind and outspoken critic of certain internal dynamics, has repeatedly emphasized the need for structured, transparent negotiations ahead of 2027. In recent statements, he has stressed ODM’s commitment to honoring existing arrangements while warning against any dilution of the party’s identity post-Raila.
Insiders note that Amollo has been active in calls for party unity and internal reforms, including urging leader Oburu Oginga to address factional tensions. However, the negotiation spotlight appears firmly on figures like Joho, whose Cabinet position gives him direct leverage in government dealings. Other Nyanza heavyweights, such as those from Siaya and surrounding areas, have not been explicitly named in the emerging team lineup.
This development highlights the shifting power centers within ODM following Raila Odinga’s passing. While some factions push for aggressive engagement with Ruto to lock in gains, others—including voices from Siaya—advocate caution to preserve ODM’s independence and ideological core beyond 2027.
As talks heat up, all eyes are on whether the team will expand to include constitutional experts like Amollo, whose legal acumen could prove invaluable in crafting a watertight power-sharing framework. For now, Joho leads the charge—but the full roster could still surprise.
Political watchers say the outcome of these negotiations could either solidify ODM’s influence in Ruto’s re-election bid or spark fresh rifts if demands go unmet. With 2027 looming, Kenya’s coalition chess game just got more intense.
What do you think—should Otiende Amollo be at the table? Drop your views below.
