NAIROBI,Kenya Oct 11 – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has made the Deputy President position a condition for backing President William Ruto’s re-election bid, signalling the party’s intention to secure a bigger stake in government ahead of the 2027 General Election.

📻 Breaking It Down

ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga said the party was willing to work with Ruto but expected any pre-election agreement to recognise its political strength by allocating it the running mate position.

Speaking at a party event in Kakamega, Wanga said ODM would expect one of its own to become Deputy President if Ruto wins a second term.

She argued that the party’s support should translate into a senior position in the next administration, setting the stage for negotiations over the composition of a possible electoral alliance.

📌 What You Need to Know

“And we want to tell the President, and our other brothers, we as ODM, we are a big party,” Wanga said.

“When the President is re-elected, the Deputy President should be from ODM, that is the road that we are going to walk.”

The demand introduces a fresh complication into the race to become Ruto’s running mate, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki already positioning himself to retain the job in 2027.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar has maintained that Kindiki remains the party’s designated running mate for the next election.

Kindiki, who took office following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua, has also defended his performance and dismissed suggestions that he faces a serious challenge to his position.

ODM’s entry into the contest raises questions about how Ruto would balance the interests of his existing political allies with those of a party seeking a formal role in his re-election campaign.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya