The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has escalated its push for the deputy president’s position in the broad-based government, declaring the slot non-negotiable if the party is to back President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
During a rally in Malava, Kakamega County, on Sunday, a section of ODM leaders led by Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo endorsed Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya as their preferred running mate to Ruto, arguing that ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) should share government positions equally. National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed said the party had agreed that Ruto remains its 2027 candidate, but insisted the deputy president must come from ODM.
The demand hardened further on Monday when ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, addressing county chairpersons and party leaders in Nairobi, declared the party would not accept anything less than a strict 50-50 arrangement, covering the deputy presidency, Cabinet slots, parliamentary leadership positions and diplomatic postings. Of the 22 Cabinet Secretary positions, ODM is demanding at least 11, more than double the five it currently holds, along with roughly half of Kenya’s top diplomatic appointments.
While Oparanya has emerged as the frontrunner, citing his standing in Western Kenya and past alliance with the late Raila Odinga, other names including Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and party leader Oburu Odinga remain in contention. Budget Committee Chairperson Samuel Atandi said the party was still assessing who could best consolidate its vote before settling on a final candidate. At the Coast, leaders including Joho and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir have urged residents to register as voters to strengthen the region’s bargaining position in the contest.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, however, has shown no willingness to cede ground. Speaking in Meru, he insisted his place in government was non-negotiable and that he would not be sidelined, urging the Mt Kenya region to keep backing Ruto’s administration. A recent Infotrak survey placed Kindiki ahead of other contenders at 34 per cent support, with Wanga at 11 per cent and Oburu Odinga at 5 per cent, though more than a third of respondents remain undecided.
The renewed rivalry comes as ODM also grapples with internal strain following the exit of former Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, with some party elders questioning whether Ruto has honoured earlier commitments. Formal negotiations between ODM and UDA have yet to begin, but party officials say a retreat next week will outline the process and the team that will lead the talks, setting the stage for a defining contest ahead of the 2027 General Election.
