The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has intensified pressure for the deputy presidency in its cooperation with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), declaring the position a key condition for supporting President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.
The party now says the role is central to any future political agreement between the two sides.
ODM leaders argue that if President Ruto will seek a second term on a UDA ticket, then the coalition’s running mate should come from ODM. Kisii Governor and ODM deputy party leader Simba Arati maintained that the position belongs to the party, saying, “Since Ruto is on UDA vying for president in 2027, ODM will produce the Deputy President.”
The demand was reinforced by National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, who described the deputy presidency as the party’s new condition for continuing its partnership with UDA.
“For us to work together, ODM and UDA, it is now official that we must be given the running mate slot for us to move forward together,” he said.
The declaration comes as Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has already indicated that he intends to defend his position and will not step aside without contest.
His remarks have added to growing political competition over the country’s second-highest office ahead of next year’s General Election.
Even as ODM insists on securing the position first, the party has already mentioned several possible candidates, including Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
Junet, however, said the final choice would only be made after internal consultations, noting.
“We also have our party leader, we cannot wish him away, he can also want to fill the position. But what we are saying is that Oparanya is one of the suitable candidates, and we will make that decision as a party,”he said.
A similar position was shared by MP Samuel Atandi, who said the party was considering leaders capable of strengthening ODM’s support base.
“What we are now doing as a party is looking around ourselves on who will also help us consolidate the votes. Oparanya is a good candidate, but we also welcome others to the ring,” he said.
Meanwhile, Coast leaders have begun mobilising residents to register as voters, arguing that a larger voting population would strengthen the region’s influence in national negotiations.
Addressing supporters in Lamu County, Joho urged residents to increase voter numbers, saying, “Kama wenzetu kura zetu tukipiga hesabu tuko milioni mbili, Mlima Kenya wako milioni tano. Tukitaka kuwa serious lazima tushike kura.”
His remarks were echoed by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, who added, “Kile kitu kitatusaidia kama Pwani ni numbers. Lazima tushike kura kama Pwani.”
Beyond the deputy presidency, ODM is pushing for equal power-sharing with UDA. Arati said the party wants a 50-50 arrangement in government, declaring, “Our party ODM and UDA, we will go 50-50, no shortcut about it. Without that, no story.”
The party is also seeking half of Cabinet positions, senior parliamentary leadership roles and a significant share of Kenya’s diplomatic appointments as part of the proposed agreement.
Although formal negotiations have not yet begun, ODM officials say a retreat scheduled for next week will outline the framework for talks and appoint the team that will negotiate on the party’s behalf.
As preparations gather pace, Arati expressed confidence about the party’s future. “What we assure you is that we must form the next government,” Arati said.
