Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi has emphasized the need for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to concentrate on increasing its parliamentary representation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a radio interview on August 3, 2026, Elachi argued that while winning the presidency remains important, the party’s strategy should equally focus on securing more seats in both the National Assembly and the Senate. She warned that without a strong parliamentary presence, the party would face difficulties in implementing its legislative agenda.
Elachi noted:
- Governance requires sufficient lawmakers to support policies in Parliament.
- The late Raila Odinga ensured ODM held significant influence in both houses, a legacy the party must protect.
- Failing to maintain or grow parliamentary numbers could weaken ODM’s political leverage.
Elachi’s remarks come amid projections from Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who anticipates the broad-based government will enter the 2027 elections with over 215 MPs and 33 senators, based on current political alignments and past voting trends.
Kaluma highlighted that even excluding key regions such as Mt Kenya, Lower Eastern, Kisii, Nakuru, and Laikipia, the coalition still commands strong support from Luo Nyanza, parts of Western Kenya, Turkana, West Pokot, the Kalenjin region, North Eastern Kenya, select Upper Eastern counties, and the Coast.
He also pointed out Nairobi’s unpredictability, describing the capital as a competitive battleground that could sway either way in the upcoming polls.
