Dr. Oburu Oginga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has declared his confidence in being the preferred candidate for Deputy President in the upcoming 2027 General Election alongside President William Ruto.
Speaking at State House during a meeting hosted by President Ruto with village elders, Oburu emphasized that ODM will back Ruto’s presidential bid and that the party’s focus is on negotiating other positions, particularly the deputy presidency.
"As ODM we will not have a candidate, our candidate is President William Ruto but all the other positions are negotiable, particularly number two. Don't you think I deserve to be number two? Mimi nimetosha," he stated.
Oburu reiterated ODM's commitment to the broad-based government coalition, aimed at advancing the administration’s transformative agenda. He praised President Ruto’s efforts in national development and challenged critics to present alternative programs instead of undermining the government’s work.
"The president is trying his best and the opposition should also try to bring their own programmes that they want to do to the people," Oburu remarked, adding that the party will work closely with Ruto and other coalition members to build a strong government with a clear vision.
Addressing concerns over the ballooning national debt, which recently reached Ksh 12.82 trillion due to borrowing from multilateral and commercial lenders, Oburu defended the administration’s fiscal strategy.
"Some people are saying he is burdening the country with debt, but that debt he is not eating, he is paying the people. If it is something that is benefiting the people we must appreciate it," he said.
The announcement comes amid ongoing disagreements within the ruling coalition over the choice of running mate. While ODM leaders support Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya for the deputy presidency, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) favors Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
