ODM leader Oburu Oginga has publicly expressed his ambition to serve as Deputy President in the upcoming 2027 General Election, amid his party's decision to support President William Ruto's re-election campaign.
Speaking on Tuesday at State House during a meeting with village elders, Oburu emphasized that while ODM will not present a presidential candidate, all other positions, notably the Deputy President slot, remain open for negotiation. He questioned, "Don't you think I deserve to be number two? Can I not be number two?" and confidently stated, "Mimi nimetosha" (I'm able).
Political Arrangement Between ODM and UDA
The broad-based government coalition, formed following talks between President Ruto and former ODM leader Raila Odinga, has integrated several ODM members into Cabinet and government roles, while ODM maintains its distinct identity.
ODM has reiterated commitment to the coalition but insists on protecting its party identity and advancing social justice and equity. The party has initiated negotiations on collaborative policy frameworks with its partners but remains firm on its independence.
Deputy Party Leader's Position
ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati reinforced the party's stance that the Deputy President position should be allocated to ODM if President Ruto remains the presidential candidate. Arati noted that any electoral arrangement must be fair and suggested a 50-50 power-sharing approach between ODM and UDA.
He highlighted several ODM leaders capable of deputising President Ruto, including Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, as well as party leader Oburu Odinga.
Arati added that ODM would only relinquish its claim to the Deputy President role if President Ruto or current Deputy President Kindiki defected to ODM.
