The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has raised the stakes ahead of the 2027 General Election, declaring it will only support President William Ruto’s re-election if it is guaranteed the deputy president’s position. Party leaders say any coalition with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) must be built on an equal power-sharing arrangement.
Highlights
- ODM wants the deputy president’s seat in any 2027 coalition with UDA.
- Party leaders insist on a 50-50 power-sharing agreement.
- Junet Mohamed says the party’s position has already been settled.
- Wycliffe Oparanya, Hassan Joho, Gladys Wanga and Raila Odinga are among names mentioned for the role.
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ODM Sets Conditions for 2027 Alliance
The Orange Democratic Movement has made it clear that it will only campaign alongside President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election if the party is allowed to field the deputy presidential candidate.
Speaking during a party meeting, ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, and Budget Committee Chairperson Samuel Atandi said the coalition must be based on equal partnership.
‘It Must Be 50-50’
Arati said ODM would not accept anything less than a balanced political agreement with UDA.
According to him, if President Ruto retains the presidential ticket, ODM must automatically take the deputy president’s slot.
He maintained that the party would not compromise on what it considers a fair 50-50 power-sharing arrangement.
Junet Confirms Party Position
Junet Mohamed echoed Arati’s remarks, saying ODM’s leadership had already settled on pursuing the country’s second-highest office.
He explained that the arrangement would ensure both coalition partners are equally represented in government if they win the 2027 elections.
Several Leaders Eye Deputy President Position
ODM leaders also acknowledged that several senior party figures could be considered for the deputy president’s position.
Junet named former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya as one of the strongest contenders. He also mentioned former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, and party leader Raila Odinga as leaders capable of taking up the role.
However, he noted that the party would first secure the position through coalition negotiations before deciding who would fly the flag.
With the 2027 General Election drawing closer, ODM’s latest demands could shape the future of coalition politics and determine how the country’s biggest political alliances are formed.
