Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has signaled his interest in the deputy president’s position, saying the post remains open for negotiation, even as he reaffirmed the party’s support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at State House in Nairobi during a meeting between President Ruto and village elders from across the country, Oburu said ODM would not field a presidential candidate in the next election, insisting that the party had already settled on Ruto as its preferred candidate.
“When elections come, ODM will not have a presidential candidate. Our candidate is President William Ruto. But all the other positions are negotiable, particularly number two. Don’t you think I am fit for number two? I think I am good enough,” Oburu said.
He maintained that ODM’s participation in the broad-based government was aimed at promoting national development, adding that the party would retain its identity while working alongside the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“We are working with President Ruto in the broad-based government. We are not going to be swallowed by him. We are going to work together to build a strong government and push the country’s vision forward,” he said.
Oburu also defended the government’s decision to introduce stipends for village elders, describing the initiative as a transformative step that would strengthen grassroots leadership and improve service delivery.
He praised President Ruto for recognizing the role of village elders, saying previous administrations had failed to empower them despite their importance in local communities.
“President Ruto has had the courage to push this through. He is giving power to the powerless. A village elder is no longer just a village elder; now he has recognition and authority,” Oburu said.
His remarks come days after senior ODM officials reiterated that the party should secure the deputy president’s position as part of any political arrangement supporting President Ruto’s 2027 re-election campaign, underscoring growing calls within the party for a greater role in the broad-based government.
