ODM Party Confirms the Top Seat They Want Before Negotiation With Ruto’s UDA

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has announced that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) expects to produce President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election, putting the Deputy President position at the centre of its proposed political partnership with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking on Saturday, October 31, during ODM’s mega rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi, Nassir declared that the party would not support Ruto’s re-election bid without securing a significant position in the next government.

He maintained that ODM has experienced politicians capable of serving as Deputy President and should therefore be considered for the position if the party agrees to support Ruto in 2027.

“Na tunasema Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya atakuwa kutoka ODM,” Nassir declared.

The governor questioned why ODM would mobilise its supporters behind the President without receiving a meaningful share of leadership in the proposed political arrangement.

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

Nassir’s declaration reinforces ODM’s position ahead of anticipated negotiations with UDA over a possible pre-election coalition.

During a television interview on October 28, the governor disclosed that formal coalition negotiations had not started but insisted that the Deputy President position would feature prominently among the party’s demands.

He also clarified that he was not personally interested in becoming Ruto’s deputy, previously suggesting Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho as a potential candidate for the position.

However, ODM’s demands face resistance from UDA leaders who want the current Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, to retain his position in the 2027 presidential ticket.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has maintained that Kindiki should remain Ruto’s running mate, while UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar has also reaffirmed support for the existing presidential partnership.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has meanwhile claimed that Ruto has been discussing the running mate position with several politicians, including Kindiki, ODM leader Oburu Oginga, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Anne Waiguru and John Mbadi.

With ODM publicly declaring its intentions and UDA defending Kindiki’s position, the identity of Ruto’s potential running mate is emerging as a major issue in negotiations ahead of the August 2027 General Election.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/nassir-the-2027-deputy-president-will-come-from-odm

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