Oburu Odinga Denies Eyeing Deputy President Position in 2027 Talks With UDA
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga has dismissed claims that he is angling for the deputy president’s seat as negotiations between ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) gather pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Kisumu County during the disbursement of Nyota Funds, an event attended by President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Oburu sought to downplay speculation that ODM’s push for a 50–50 power-sharing arrangement with UDA was aimed at dislodging the sitting deputy president.
“We are not going to look for less. But, Deputy President, do not think that we want your seat or that we want to remove you from your position. You are our friend,” Oburu said, drawing applause from the gathering.
His remarks come amid heightened political debate following statements by ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, who on Sunday, February 1, reiterated that the party would only consider entering a coalition with UDA if it was guaranteed an equal share of government in 2027. The declaration triggered fresh speculation over which senior government positions could be affected should the two parties formalise a pre-election pact.
While denying personal interest in the deputy presidency, Oburu maintained that ODM would not shy away from demanding senior positions if coalition talks advance. He argued that the party’s support base deserved meaningful representation at the highest levels of government.
“Our people must get their fair share. That is what we are fighting for,” he added, without outlining specific offices the party would pursue.
The debate intensified further following President Ruto’s remarks at a recent UDA National Governing Council (NGC) meeting, where he assured party members that the presidency would remain under UDA’s control in 2027. The President, however, did not publicly address the fate of the deputy president’s position, a silence that fuelled political chatter over possible realignments within a broad-based coalition.
Political observers note that this is not the first time ODM leaders have floated the possibility of seeking top executive roles in future negotiations. In November 2025, Oburu had stated that ODM would not enter talks that relegated the party to minor positions, remarks that were widely interpreted as signalling interest in the deputy presidency or equivalent influence.
However, Oburu’s latest clarification appears to offer reassurance to Deputy President Kindiki, at least in the short term, that ODM is not seeking to unseat him directly as coalition discussions evolve.
During the Kisumu event, Oburu also turned his attention to the opposition, criticising rival political factions for what he described as a lack of a coherent strategy to challenge President Ruto in 2027.
“How are you going to win an election when you are not even complaining in all parts of the country?” he posed, questioning the opposition’s readiness for a national contest.
He further praised several government programmes, saying they were delivering tangible benefits across the country, and expressed optimism that ongoing political engagements would remain peaceful and constructive.
“We want smooth and peaceful negotiations so that we chart a clear path towards the next elections,” Oburu said.
As Kenya’s political landscape gradually shifts toward the 2027 race, the evolving relationship between ODM and UDA continues to draw close public scrutiny, with power-sharing demands, coalition arithmetic, and leadership succession emerging as central themes in the unfolding debate.
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Oburu Odinga Denies Eyeing Deputy President Position in 2027 Talks With UDA
