ODM leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has signaled his willingness to be considered for the deputy presidency in the 2027 General Election if the party supports President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
Speaking at State House during a meeting hosted by President William Ruto for village elders, Oburu said ODM would not field its own presidential candidate should the party endorse Ruto, adding that other positions within any coalition arrangement, including the deputy presidency, would be open for negotiation.
“As ODM we will not have a candidate. Our candidate is President William Ruto, but all the other positions are negotiable, particularly number two. Don’t you think I deserve to be number two? Mimi nimetosha,” he said.
Oburu reiterated the party’s commitment to the broad-based government, arguing that the arrangement offers an opportunity to advance the country’s development agenda. He said ODM remains committed to working with President Ruto following the political cooperation initiated by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“We are working with President Ruto in this broad-based government. My small brother Raila Odinga left us there and we are going to work together to make a strong government and always push for having a vision,” he said.
The veteran politician also defended the President’s performance, saying the administration had made progress despite economic challenges. He urged critics to present alternative policy proposals instead of dismissing the government’s development agenda.
“The President is trying his best, and the opposition should also try to bring their own programmes that they want to do for the people,” he said.
Addressing concerns over Kenya’s rising public debt, Oburu argued that government borrowing should be assessed based on how the funds are used rather than the debt figures alone. He maintained that borrowing to finance projects and public services could benefit citizens if managed responsibly.
“Some people are saying he is burdening the country with debt, but that debt he is not eating, he is paying the people. If it is something that is benefiting the people we must appreciate it,” he added.
His remarks come as discussions continue over the political future of the broad-based alliance ahead of the 2027 elections. Although ODM has expressed support for President Ruto, differences have emerged over who should become the coalition’s preferred candidate for deputy president.
While leaders allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have publicly backed Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki to retain the position, several ODM figures have proposed Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya as a suitable running mate, highlighting ongoing negotiations within the coalition.