Constitutional lawyer Willis Otieno has criticised the proposed pre-coalition arrangement between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), cautioning that negotiations perceived to centre on power-sharing rather than policy reforms could weaken public confidence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a pointed statement, Otieno said coalition talks framed around positions and influence risk projecting an image of elite bargaining instead of citizen-focused governance.
He argued that democratic victory should be judged not by who secures cabinet slots or political leverage, but by whether citizens experience real improvements in healthcare, economic stability, and essential public services.
He warned that political consolidation cannot be described as progress if Kenyans continue to struggle to access treatment in hospitals, afford basic necessities, or secure stable livelihoods.
According to Otieno, legitimacy in a democratic system ultimately depends on outcomes that improve people’s daily lives rather than the allocation of offices among political leaders.
The emerging cooperation between ODM and UDA comes as parties begin early strategic positioning for the 2027 polls, signalling a potential reshaping of Kenya’s political landscape.
Proponents of pre-election alliances argue such arrangements can foster stability, minimise post-election disputes, and enable coordinated governance.
Critics, however, say coalition frameworks in Kenya have historically prioritised elite consensus and political survival over clear policy agendas and accountability structures.
Otieno urged political actors to anchor any coalition framework on measurable commitments, including lowering the cost of living, improving healthcare access, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening institutional accountability.
As political realignments intensify, his remarks reflect a wider public debate over whether elite cooperation will translate into tangible socio-economic gains or remain confined to power negotiations among political leaders.