Wanga: ODM will back Ruto if party gets Deputy President slot

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) meeting in Kakamega County/HANDOUT

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson Gladys Wanga has said the party will support President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027 if it secures the Deputy President position under a pre-election agreement.

Speaking during a party event in Kakamega, Wanga said ODM was prepared to work with Ruto but insisted that the party’s size and political influence should be reflected in any power-sharing deal ahead of the next General Election.

“And we want to tell the President, and our other brothers, we as ODM, we are a big party,” Wanga said.

“When the President is re-elected, the Deputy President should be from ODM; that is the road that we are going to walk.”

Her remarks signal ODM’s interest in securing one of the most influential positions in government as political formations begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Deputy President slot is currently occupied by Kithure Kindiki, who has maintained that he is well placed to retain the position as Ruto’s running mate in the next election.

The position is also attracting interest from political allies seeking to negotiate favourable terms in a possible pre-election coalition with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar has affirmed that Kindiki remains the party’s designated running mate for the 2027 General Election.

Kindiki has also dismissed competition for the position, arguing that his performance in office supports his continued stay as Deputy President, although political alignments could evolve as the election approaches.

ODM’s demand introduces another consideration into the negotiations surrounding Ruto’s re-election bid, with the party seeking a formal agreement that would secure it a senior position in the next administration.

Meanwhile, Wanga dismissed predictions that the party would disintegrate following Raila’s death, saying its support base remained intact in its traditional strongholds.

“There are those who prophesied that after the death of Raila Odinga, ODM would crumble, but that has not happened,” she said.

Wanga cited the party’s popularity in Kakamega as evidence that it remained firmly established, expressing confidence that ODM would perform well in the 2027 elections.

“Here in Kakamega, when I look around, ODM is still very popular. And in the next election, I know all seats will go to ODM, from MCA to Governor,” she said.

The remarks reflect the party’s ambition to retain control of elective positions in its strongholds while using its political support to negotiate a possible arrangement with Ruto.

Wanga also sought to reassure aspirants planning to contest on the ODM ticket that the party would conduct credible nominations ahead of the polls.

She said the exercise would be free, fair and transparent, adding that candidates who secured the support of party members would be allowed to fly the ODM flag.

“Anybody with the support of the members will fly the party’s flag,” she said. 

Wanga congratulated the two new members, saying the party was happy to continue growing.