President William Ruto has finally addressed the growing pressure from some Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders who have been demanding the Deputy President position ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The debate started after several ODM leaders publicly declared that if the party enters a coalition arrangement with Ruto’s camp for 2027, they want the Deputy President slot as part of a “50-50” power-sharing deal.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga openly stated that ODM should not settle for less than the number two position, with some leaders even proposing Mining CS Hassan Joho as the possible running mate.
However, President Ruto has now strongly hinted that current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki remains his preferred ally going into the next election.
According to recent political reports, Ruto praised Kindiki’s loyalty, hard work, and role in stabilizing the government, remarks that many political observers interpreted as a direct response to ODM’s demands.
The President’s allies have also come out aggressively to defend Kindiki’s position. Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku declared that the Deputy President seat is “not vacant until 2032,” insisting that Kindiki will remain Ruto’s running mate in 2027.
At the same time, ODM leaders continue piling pressure on the Kenya Kwanza side. ODM figures led by Oburu Oginga and Gladys Wanga have maintained that any future coalition talks must involve equal sharing of power, including the DP seat.
This has now created a major political headache for Ruto because:
- Mt Kenya leaders strongly want Kindiki retained as DP.
- ODM leaders want a bigger share of government power.
- Ruto is trying to balance regional interests ahead of 2027.
- Coast leaders are also backing Hassan Joho for the DP position.
Political analysts say Ruto’s latest remarks appear designed to calm tensions within his Kenya Kwanza coalition while still keeping ODM close in the broad-based government arrangement.
Even though ODM leaders continue pushing for the DP slot, Ruto has not officially announced any change in his 2027 lineup, and all signs currently point to Kindiki remaining central to his re-election plans.
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