He argues that UDA has lost its dominance in Mount Kenya after Rigathi Gachagua formed DCP, weakening President Ruto’s traditional voter base.
Maanzo says ODM brings what UDA now lacks — solid grassroots networks across the country, especially in Western, Nyanza, Coast, Northern and Northeastern Kenya.
These regions, he notes, still strongly identify with ODM and can provide the numbers UDA needs to remain competitive nationally.
He also points to the ongoing structured talks between UDA and ODM as proof that both sides understand the political reality.
With UDA’s National Executive Committee and ODM’s Central Management Committee already approving negotiations, he believes the alliance is no longer theoretical but inevitable.
Maanzo further argues that ODM’s organisational strength, disciplined voter base and leadership structure — now led by Oburu Odinga — gives UDA stability it currently lacks after internal rebellions and defections in Mount Kenya.
In his view, if UDA embraces ODM as a genuine partner rather than a junior ally, the ruling party can still command a winning national coalition and keep President Ruto competitive for a second term in 2027.