ODM leader Oburu Oginga has officially declared his intention to vie for the deputy president position ahead of the 2027 General Election, challenging incumbent Kithure Kindiki's claim to the seat.
Speaking at State House on August 5, Oburu confirmed that ODM will support President William Ruto's re-election campaign. However, he emphasized that backing Ruto does not mean ODM will forfeit its stake in senior government roles, including the deputy presidency.
Oburu stated: "Don't you think I deserve to be number two? Can I not be number two? I am equal to the task."
He distinguished ODM's alliance with Ruto's administration as a partnership aimed at national progress rather than a subordinate relationship to UDA.
Simba Arati Challenges Kindiki
Oburu's announcement follows a strong position taken by ODM deputy chairman and Kisii governor Simba Arati. Addressing party delegates from Rift Valley, Turkana, and Nakuru, Arati asserted that the deputy presidency belongs to ODM under any power-sharing agreement with UDA.
He issued an ultimatum to Kindiki, stating the incumbent must either join ODM or relinquish the deputy president seat ahead of the 2027 elections.
Other ODM Contenders for Deputy President
Arati also named several ODM leaders as potential candidates for the deputy president role, including:
- Former Mombasa governor Hassan Ali Joho
- Former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya
- Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga
- Oburu Oginga himself
He argued that ODM has a wealth of experienced leaders qualified to assume the deputy presidency.
The party’s internal discussions reflect rising pressure to secure a fair share of senior government positions as the 2027 polls approach.
