The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has intensified its push for the deputy presidential position in the broad-based government, declaring the seat a non-negotiable condition if the party is to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
The demand sets the stage for a political contest over the country’s second-highest office, with ODM seeking to secure the running mate position currently held by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
Party leaders say ODM is reviewing its working arrangement with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), maintaining that the deputy presidency should form part of any future political agreement between the two parties.
Kisii Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati argued that since President Ruto is expected to seek re-election on a UDA ticket, ODM should nominate the deputy presidential candidate.
“Since Ruto is on UDA vying for president in 2027, ODM will produce the Deputy President,” Arati said.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed echoed the position, saying the running mate slot has now become the party’s key condition for maintaining its cooperation with UDA.
“For us to work together, ODM and UDA, it is now official that we must be given the running mate slot for us to move forward together,” Junet said.
The declaration comes amid growing speculation over the future of the broad-based political arrangement between the two parties as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather momentum.
However, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has signalled that he is not ready to relinquish the position. Speaking a day earlier, Kindiki indicated that he would not step aside easily in the race to remain President Ruto’s running mate during the next General Election.
The latest developments are expected to heighten political negotiations within the Kenya Kwanza administration as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.
