A growing debate over the 2027 presidential ticket has emerged within Kenya’s broad-based government after a section of ODM leaders openly declared that the party should produce the next deputy president if President William Ruto seeks a second term.
The leaders, who spoke during a rally in Malava, Kakamega County, threw their weight behind Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, saying he is the most suitable person to deputise Ruto in the next General Election. They argued that the political cooperation between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) should be reflected in the sharing of top leadership positions.
Led by ODM Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, the leaders maintained that the party’s backing of Ruto’s 2027 bid depends on negotiations that give ODM the deputy president’s position. They said the broad-based arrangement should not only focus on cooperation in government but should also guarantee ODM a significant role in the next electoral cycle.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed stated that the two parties should agree on a formula where UDA provides the presidential candidate while ODM nominates the deputy president. He said the party had settled on Oparanya as its preferred choice for the position.
Khwisero MP Aseka Miradi echoed the sentiments, saying ODM had already agreed to support President Ruto’s re-election campaign. However, he insisted that the deputy president’s seat should be reserved for ODM and described Oparanya as the most qualified candidate for the role.
Supporters of Oparanya argued that he would help strengthen support for Ruto in Western Kenya due to his political experience and influence in the region. They also pointed to his long political association with Raila Odinga, saying he remains one of the most recognizable leaders from the area.
The calls come at a time when Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has remained firm that he will continue serving as Ruto’s running mate in 2027. Speaking in Meru a day earlier, Kindiki dismissed suggestions that he could be replaced, insisting that his position in government is secure.
The Deputy President urged residents of the Mount Kenya region to remain united behind President Ruto, arguing that the region had invested heavily in the current administration and should continue supporting it in the next election.
The competing positions now highlight a potential political contest within the broad-based alliance as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of 2027. While ODM leaders are pushing for a greater share of leadership, Kindiki has shown no signs of backing down from the role.
Recent Infotrak findings add another dimension to the debate. The survey ranked Kindiki as the most preferred running mate for President Ruto with 34 percent support. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga came second with 11 percent, while Oburu Odinga was third with 5 percent.
More than 37 percent of respondents, however, remained undecided, suggesting the discussion over Ruto’s eventual running mate is still far from settled.
