President William Ruto (left) interacts with Oburu Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), after the Broad-Based Parliamentary Group meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on March 10, 2026. Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation
ODM Demands Deputy President Slot in Ruto Deal, Threatening Broad-Based Alliance
NAIROBI — Tensions within Kenya’s broad-based political framework reached a boiling point after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) laid down fresh conditions for supporting President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.
Speaking during a press conference with party members, Suna East MP and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed declared that ODM’s continued partnership with the Kenya Kwanza administration hinges on securing the Deputy President position in 2027.
Junet stressed that the position is non-negotiable and warned that should President Ruto decline the condition, ODM will sever ties and pursue an independent path in the upcoming general election.
“If President Ruto expects ODM’s full backing as the presidential candidate under the broad-based arrangement, the Deputy President slot must go to ODM,” Junet declared. “Failure to which, the party will decide its own way forward.”
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The bold declaration comes at a delicate period for ODM. Following the passing of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, the party has weathered significant political turbulence, marked by internal friction and high-profile defections to rival coalitions.
While ODM previously allied with Ruto to stabilize the government, party stalwarts now insist on an equal 50-50 share of political leverage moving forward.
The demand has sent shockwaves across the political landscape, directly threatening current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Kindiki, who assumed office following Rigathi Gachagua’s removal, remains focused on retaining the deputy presidency on Ruto’s ticket in 2027.
With ODM leaders floating figures like Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya and Mining CS Hassan Joho for the running mate position, Ruto faces a steep dilemma: risk losing ODM’s critical voter base or alienate his current deputy’s stronghold.
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