A fresh contest over who should represent the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in any future coalition arrangement has emerged after Ruth Odinga publicly backed Dr. Oburu Oginga for the deputy presidency, dismissing suggestions that Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya should be considered for the role.
Ruth’s remarks come amid growing political debate within ODM following recent comments by Oburu, who declared that the party would support President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027 if the broad-based political arrangement remains intact, while negotiating for other senior positions within the coalition.
“Oburu is our presidential candidate, not Oparanya. Oparanya will not be President William Ruto’s running mate,” Ruth Odinga said in remarks that have circulated widely on social media.
Her statement followed Oburu’s appearance at State House, where he openly expressed his willingness to serve as Deputy President should ODM secure the position through coalition negotiations.
Speaking during a meeting hosted by President Ruto for village elders, Oburu said ODM would not field its own presidential candidate if it chooses to back the President in the next General Election.
Oburu also defended the party’s continued participation in the broad-based government, saying the arrangement was intended to support national development and provide continuity in governance.
His comments have fueled discussion within ODM, where different leaders have publicly advanced varying views on who should occupy the deputy presidency should the party become part of President Ruto’s 2027 campaign team.
While several ODM leaders have previously suggested that Wycliffe Oparanya would be a suitable choice for the deputy presidency, leaders within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have consistently maintained that Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki remains the party’s preferred running mate for President Ruto.
The differing positions underscore the political negotiations expected to shape coalition-building ahead of the 2027 General Election, particularly following the formation of the broad-based government between Kenya Kwanza and sections of the opposition.
However, there is currently no official coalition agreement between ODM and UDA outlining how senior elective positions would be shared in 2027. Similarly, President Ruto has not announced his running mate for the election, and ODM has not formally endorsed a candidate for the deputy presidency.
The specific remarks attributed to Ruth Odinga have circulated mainly on social media and regional platforms. As of publication, they have not been independently confirmed through an official ODM statement or widely reported by major mainstream news organizations. They should therefore be understood as her reported political position rather than an official party resolution.
Political observers expect discussions over the deputy presidency to continue as parties intensify consultations ahead of the 2027 General Election, with coalition negotiations likely to play a significant role in determining the final lineup.