ODM Demands Deputy President Slot, Putting Ruto on the Spot

By The Weekly Vision Political Desk

Tensions are mounting within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as the party prepares for crucial negotiations with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), talks whose outcome could determine ODM’s influence in Kenya’s post-Raila Odinga political landscape. With internal divisions simmering and high-stakes demands on the table, the party faces a pivotal moment ahead of the 2027 elections.

ODM is contending with internal disputes over its continued participation in the broad-based government formed after last June’s Gen Z upheaval. The so-called Young Turks, led by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, are advocating for an exit, while hardliners and party institutionalists, including Chairperson Gladys Wanga, insist on remaining in government.

Wanga counts among her allies former Deputy Party Leader Hassan Joho, now Mining and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary; former National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, now Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary; and Siaya Governor James Orengo, among others. Advocates for leaving the government include Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi.

Following the death of his younger brother, Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga was appointed interim party leader and has sought a middle ground. During a Central Management Committee meeting on 27th October, party leaders, including Sifuna, committed to remaining in the broad-based government until 2027, based on a 10-point agenda agreed with UDA.

Political observers, however, question whether ODM can realistically cooperate with Ruto until 2027 while simultaneously positioning itself as a serious contender in the next presidential election. In recent interviews, Oburu hinted that ODM is willing to negotiate with Ruto but will not settle for anything less than the Deputy President’s slot, currently held by Professor Kithure Kindiki. This stance contrasts with his earlier position, which warned against strengthening the party only to end up deputising someone else.

During a memorial service for his late brother at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, Oburu urged party members to remain united to strengthen their negotiating power. “We have to unite. I am telling ODM members across the country that if you do not unite, nobody will respect you. A weak party will not be taken seriously in negotiations,” he said.

Later, posting on X, he echoed President Ruto’s remarks during Raila’s state funeral in Bondo, declaring that ODM will never return to the opposition and will either form or be part of the next government.
Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda expressed confidence that the ODM–UDA pact will outlast the current administration, adding, “Oburu Oginga’s insistence that ODM will not accept anything lower than the Deputy President role should not be misinterpreted. The party is moving into the 2027 elections as a partner of UDA.”

Reactions are already emerging from Kindiki’s Mt Kenya East stronghold, where MPs have warned Ruto that he risks losing their support if Kindiki is not retained as his running mate in 2027. With stiff competition from his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, ODM’s demand could place Ruto in a political dilemma as he seeks to maintain support in Mt Kenya.

While Ruto created the Prime Cabinet Secretary position to accommodate Musalia Mudavadi and ensured Moses Wetang’ula and Amason Kingi secured key parliamentary posts, accommodating ODM, the country’s largest and most organised party, remains a delicate task. Some, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati, have even challenged him to rejoin ODM and contest the presidency on its ticket.

Ruto is scheduled to attend the ODM@20 celebrations in Mombasa from 14th to 16th November. The event, which will also honour Raila Odinga, is expected to draw founding members, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Mudavadi, Charity Ngilu, and Najib Balala. Though former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka was invited, Oburu confirmed that he had sent his apologies.