The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are locked in a dispute over who should be President William Ruto's running mate in the 2027 General Election.
As coalition talks advance, UDA leaders have firmly backed Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the preferred candidate for the deputy presidency. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku emphasized that while other senior government positions are negotiable, the roles of President and Deputy President are not open for discussion.
Several Kenya Kwanza leaders, including Taita Taveta MP John Bwire and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, have reiterated their support for Kindiki, highlighting his close alliance with President Ruto and urging unity behind his candidacy, particularly among Mt. Kenya leaders.
Conversely, ODM officials have advocated for Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to be considered for the deputy presidency. Speaking in Vihiga County, Acting ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo argued that ODM deserves greater representation in the top leadership. Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka called for political strength and voter numbers to guide the decision, citing strong support for Oparanya in the Western region.
Oparanya himself called for cohesion within the broad-based administration, urging all parties to unite under President Ruto’s leadership.
The debate has also taken on regional dimensions, with some Coast leaders reportedly backing Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, while ODM insiders suggest that if the deputy presidency goes to ODM, the candidate should hail from the party’s traditional stronghold in Nyanza.
