Oburu’s DP position condition to Ruto unsettles Kindiki’s base

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party’s demand for the deputy president’s position as a condition for supporting President William Ruto’s re-election bid has heightened political tensions within the president’s camp.

Allies of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki are reportedly displeased with Oburu Oginga’s pronouncements, viewing him as a spoiler intent on undermining Kindiki’s prospects of ascending to the presidency in 2032, should President Ruto win re-election in the forthcoming General Election.

Political observers who spoke to the Eastleigh Voice described Oburu’s remarks as politically explosive. Already, a group of Meru politicians allied to Kindiki has issued a warning to President Ruto following the ODM leader’s demands.

Led by Tigania West MP John Mutunga, the Meru legislators expressed gratitude to President Ruto for offering the Meru community a top government position through the appointment of  Kindiki as Deputy President.

However, they insisted that the deputy president’s position must remain within the Mount Kenya East region.

“We, the Meru people, have not held this position for a long time. Those now demanding it say, ‘We want this position,’ but that seat belongs to us — to Mount Kenya East. Let it be known, this seat is ours,” said Mutunga.

The MP also urged local leaders to encourage voter registration, emphasising the importance of strengthening the Meru region’s numbers to influence the selection of the next deputy president.

“I urge all area managers and local leaders who engage with residents to promote voter registration. The real power lies in the ballot. Let us register in large numbers so we can compete effectively with other regions,” he added.

Political analyst and High Court advocate Ambrose Weda observed that Oburu lacked political tact and should be guided on how to handle decisions with far-reaching implications.

“Raila never negotiated like that. Negotiations for big matters should happen under the table. Oburu needs counsel on strategy and substance. Such a demand is out of order. Kindiki is a great guy,” said Weda.

Oburu’s assertions came amid reports that President Ruto is considering choosing an ODM candidate as his running mate in the 2027 General Election.

Oburu, who assumed the role of acting ODM leader following the death of his brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, reiterated that the party would not accept anything less than the deputy president’s position.

“If we are to take a position, it must not be lower than number two — the Deputy President,” he emphasised.

Other ODM leaders, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, have also urged President Ruto to rejoin ODM, suggesting that he could potentially be the party’s flagbearer in the 2027 elections.

According to political risk analyst Mark Bichachi, the ODM Party is within its rights to demand a lion’s share of positions in President Ruto’s administration, given that the Mount Kenya region has shown reluctance to back his re-election.

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“The mountain is no longer a primary focus for the UDA coalition. The focus is shifting to the lake region, forming a coalition with the Rift Valley and other parts of Kenya. The strategy appears to be isolating Mount Kenya votes. As such, the ODM Party is fully within its rights to demand the deputy president’s position,” said Bichachi.

This comes as ODM plans to hold a crucial meeting next week to ratify the appointment of Oburu as party leader.

The National Governing Council (NGC) is scheduled to hold a special sitting in Mombasa next Thursday, ahead of the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

Members of the NGC have been invited to arrive early in Mombasa to attend the convention, whose agenda is listed as “ratifying appointments to party positions.”

“We will be in Mombasa on the evening of Thursday, November 13, 2025, to ratify the appointment of party officials, including Dr Oburu as our substantive leader,” said Makadara MP George Aladwa, who serves as the Nairobi County Branch Chairman.

The Siaya Senator was named acting party leader on October 16, 2025, by the National Executive Council (NEC), a day after the death of his brother in India. Last week, the party’s Central Management Committee met in Nairobi and unanimously resolved to endorse his appointment.

Other officials expected to be confirmed include the three deputy party leaders — Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and governors Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir (Mombasa) and Simba Arati (Kisii).

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga will also be confirmed as the substantive party chairperson. She replaced John Mbadi, who was appointed Treasury Cabinet Secretary in August last year, under the party’s broad-based restructuring arrangement.