ODM Insists on Deputy President Slot in 2027 Unless Ruto or Kindiki Joins Party

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader Simba Arati has stated firmly that ODM will not relinquish the deputy president position to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the 2027 general election unless President William Ruto or Deputy President Kithure Kindiki joins ODM.

Speaking at the ODM headquarters during a meeting with party delegates from Rift Valley, Turkana, Kilgoris, and Nakuru, Arati emphasized the need for a fair power-sharing arrangement between ODM and UDA if they continue their political alliance.

He proposed that if President Ruto remains the UDA presidential candidate, the deputy president slot should go to ODM, suggesting a 50-50 split in the coalition's top leadership positions.

"We have told them it should be 50-50. If Ruto is the presidential candidate, then the Deputy President should come from our side. Let us agree on that," Arati said.

Arati further highlighted several ODM leaders who could serve as deputy president, including Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Wycliffe Oparanya, and ODM party leader Oburu Odinga.

He clarified that ODM would only cede the deputy president position if either President Ruto or Deputy President Kindiki defects to ODM. "Unless President Ruto decides not to be UDA's candidate and instead becomes ODM's candidate, then we can leave the Deputy President position. Or if Kindiki leaves UDA and joins ODM, then we can also leave him that seat. But as long as both of them remain in UDA, one of them will have to remain behind because we shall go with the other position," he explained.

Arati’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions within the broad-based government about the future political cooperation between ODM and UDA ahead of the 2027 polls. The coalition, formed after talks between President Ruto and former ODM leader Raila Odinga, has seen ODM members in Cabinet and other government roles, while the party maintains its independence.

After hosting regional delegations, ODM reiterated its commitment to the broad-based administration but insisted on protecting its distinct identity. The party announced it has started negotiating collaborative policy frameworks with partners but stressed it will not be absorbed or lose its identity.

ODM also reaffirmed that Turkana remains a stronghold and pledged to continue advocating for development and equity through its participation in the government.