Fresh Twist in Ruto’s 2027 Plans as Nassir Announces New Position ODM Wants Before Supporting Him

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has declared that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) intends to produce President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election, signalling the party’s determination to secure a senior position in the next government.

Speaking on Saturday, October 31, during ODM’s mega rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi, Nassir maintained that the party would not support Ruto’s re-election ambitions without seeking a meaningful share of power.

The ODM Deputy Party Leader told supporters that the Deputy President’s position should come from the opposition-turned-broad-based political formation if it agrees to work with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the next election.

“Na tunasema Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya atakuwa kutoka ODM,” Nassir declared, making the party’s position clear before formal coalition negotiations begin.

He questioned why ODM would help Ruto secure another presidential term without receiving recognition for its political contribution, arguing that the party has experienced individuals capable of occupying the country’s second-highest office.

“Heshima haiji bila hesabu wakati tunampati Ruto hapa juu, kwani ODM ina watu wanaweza kuwa Deputy President?” he posed.

His remarks come as political discussions surrounding the future of the broad-based arrangement increasingly focus on the positions different parties expect to secure in the 2027 government.

Nassir had previously explained that ODM had not formally opened negotiations with other political formations but would present its demands when the appropriate discussions commence.

During a television interview on October 28, he maintained that the party was interested in the Deputy President’s office and would use its internal structures to appoint representatives responsible for negotiating any possible political agreement.

He also dismissed suggestions that he was personally positioning himself for the seat, saying he did not consider the timing appropriate for him to become Deputy President.

However, Nassir had previously mentioned Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho as a possible candidate for Ruto’s running mate, placing the former Mombasa governor among individuals associated with ODM’s ambitions.

The declaration has also brought the competing interests of ODM and UDA into sharper focus, particularly because the ruling party has continued supporting the current Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, for another term.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has openly defended Kindiki’s position, arguing that ODM should not expect to take over the seat.

“ODM should forget the Deputy President position. Kithure Kindiki is going nowhere; he will occupy the position until 2032,” Ruku has said.

UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar has similarly maintained that the Ruto-Kindiki ticket remains the party’s preferred arrangement for the 2027 elections.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also contributed to the debate, claiming that Ruto has been discussing the running mate position with several political figures as he seeks to consolidate support.

In an interview in the United Kingdom on May 20, Gachagua named Kindiki, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, ODM leader Oburu Oginga, Anne Waiguru and John Mbadi among leaders he alleged had been promised the position.

“He is promising everybody as he’s looking for numbers,” Gachagua claimed.

He further argued that his fallout with Ruto had exposed difficulties surrounding the relationship between the President and his potential running mates.

With ODM now publicly declaring its interest in the Deputy President’s position while UDA continues backing Kindiki, the running mate question is emerging as a major issue in discussions about a possible pre-election partnership.

Whether the two political formations can agree on the country’s next Deputy President remains uncertain, especially as ODM prepares to present its demands before committing to a formal coalition arrangement.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/nassir-the-2027-deputy-president-will-come-from-odm?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8yNzUyNTQ2OTI1OTgyNzkAAR-73qsqgKWcvm_VgLB2e8WsIRfVP3fLPFvhLmX3VGRh5fiKRZcyoSCQ2zHcag_aem__VoEXtracySTdal3SSWqIg

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