The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has stepped up its demand for the deputy president's position in any future political arrangement with President William Ruto, with Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati insisting the slot must remain with the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the ODM Turkana delegates meeting on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Arati said ODM would not relinquish the running mate position if President Ruto seeks re-election on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
The Kisii Governor argued that ODM has several capable leaders who can deputise President Ruto should the two parties agree to work together in the next election.
He identified Energy Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga as among those qualified to occupy the deputy president's position, adding that the party would make the final decision internally.
“Kama ni Ruto anaenda urais, deputy ni yetu na tuskizane. Joe yuko hapa, nimeskia Oparanya yuko, Wanga yuko, hata party leader anaweza simama kama deputy party leader. Kwa hivyo tutajipanga sisi,” Arati said.
Arati further stated that ODM would only relinquish the deputy president's slot if President Ruto opted to contest the presidency on an ODM ticket instead of UDA, or if Deputy President Kithure Kindiki left UDA and officially joined ODM.
“Lazima, unless Mheshimiwa Ruto aamue asiwe candidate wa UDA akuwe wa ODM ndio tunaweza waachia deputy ama Kindiki aamue awachane na mambo ya UDA aingie ODM ndio tunaweza achia yeye deputy. Lakini as long as wote ni UDA mmoja, lazima atabaki mwingine tutaenda na yeye,” he declared.
The ODM deputy party leader emphasised that he was speaking in his official capacity, maintaining that his remarks reflected the party's position on any future coalition negotiations.
His comments come amid increasing debate within ODM over the party's role in any potential pre-election alliance with UDA, with senior leaders insisting that any agreement must guarantee the party an equal stake in government.
