When it appeared that the question of who would serve as President William Ruto's running mate in the 2027 General Election had been settled, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) revived the debate with fresh demands that one of its members be named deputy president.
Amid internal divisions, defections and growing backlash in some of its traditional strongholds, the once-formidable ODM has renewed its push for the deputy president's position in the broad-based government. A section of party leaders is now demanding the slot as part of the political agreement between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Political observers say the renewed demands could place Ruto in a difficult position as the 2027 election race gathers momentum.
During a rally in Malava, Kakamega County, on Sunday, July 26, ODM leaders endorsed Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya as President Ruto's running mate in 2027, arguing that ODM and UDA should have equal representation in government.
Led by ODM Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, the leaders said the party's support for Ruto's re-election would depend on securing the deputy president's position through negotiations with UDA.
"UDA should produce the president while ODM will produce the DP, and we will present Wycliffe Oparanya," Junet Mohamed said during the rally in Malava.
"As ODM, we have agreed that President William Ruto is our candidate in the 2027 general election. But we have also said that the deputy president must come from ODM, and the only person qualified for that position is Wycliffe Oparanya," added Khwisero MP Aseka Miradi.
The leaders argued that Oparanya is best placed to consolidate support for Ruto in Western Kenya, citing his long-standing alliance with the late Raila Odinga and his influence in the region.
The renewed push comes despite Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's insistence that he will remain Ruto's running mate in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Meru on Saturday, July 25, Kindiki firmly defended his position, declaring that his place in government is non-negotiable and that he would not be sidelined.
The deputy president said there was no reason for the Mt Kenya region to build, complete and furnish a house only to abandon it and "go to live in the forest."
He maintained that he is in government to stay and urged the region to rally behind Ruto's re-election bid.
However, ODM's latest demands present a fresh political challenge, with the party insisting that if UDA fields the presidential candidate in 2027, the deputy president's position should go to ODM as part of an equal power-sharing arrangement.
A recent Infotrak survey ranked Kindiki as the preferred running mate for Ruto, with 34 per cent support.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga came second with 11 per cent, while ODM leader Oburu Odinga ranked third with five per cent.
The survey also found that more than 37 per cent of respondents were still undecided on who should be Ruto's running mate, raising questions about whether Kindiki or any other contender would ultimately win public support.
Kindiki has intensified his tours of the Mt Kenya region, urging residents to back Ruto's administration and re-election bid. However, he has also drawn sympathy from an unlikely source.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that Ruto is deliberately frustrating Kindiki in an attempt to push him into resigning.
Speaking during a televised interview on Sunday, July 26, 2026, Gachagua said Kindiki was experiencing the same treatment he endured before his removal from office.
"Huyu mtoto wetu wa Tharaka anaumia, najua anachopitia kwa sababu nilipitia. Mimi nilikuwa kichwa ngumu, hakuna mtu angenitukana. Hata hii Junet wanaongea, ni Ruto amewaambia. Ruto ndiye anatesa Kindiki, Ruto amewaambia mpaka Kindiki akasirike ajiondoe,” Gachagua said.
He claimed that although Kindiki had taken over his former office, he was not exercising its full authority and reiterated that he had no interest in reclaiming the position.
"Kindiki took my seat, which he doesn’t even use. In court, I said I don’t need that seat. The way they were threatening Ruto’s junior staff. You see how Junet is talking. These ODM people have been silenced because they were given money by Ruto; they don’t see Kindiki as a person,” he said.
Gachagua further argued that opposition to Ruto is driven by the President's leadership style rather than by his choice of deputy.
“Tunapinga Ruto kwa sababu ya tabia zake za kuuwa Gen Z, kwa sababu ya tabia yake ya uwizi na udanganyifu. Hapingwi kwa sababu ako na Kindiki. Kindiki mwenyewe analia. Leo Junet amesema kutakuwa na muungano wa ODM na UDA. UDA itachukua President Ruto na hao watachukua DP Oparanya na saa hiyo Kindiki ako kwa kiti. Wameanza kumkosea heshima vile walikuwa wananikosea,” Gachagua said.
He also cautioned Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku against placing too much trust in Ruto, claiming that several of the President's former allies had eventually fallen out with him.
“I’ve told Ruku to read with me. Ruto is a person who uses people. Let him read with Linturi, let him read with Justin Muturi. All those people were his people; he has turned against us. Even he will come to turn against him. He turned against me over the words about shares. Tell Ruku, you can’t divide this mountain. Trying to divide this mountain is like cutting down mugumo trees with a razor,” he said.
Political analyst Samuel Owida told The Eastleigh Voice that ODM's renewed demands are piling pressure on Kindiki rather than on Ruto.
According to Owida, Kindiki must now convince the President that he remains the best choice for the position, especially with several influential politicians now eyeing the deputy president's seat.
"You're able to note that Kindiki is under intense pressure to retain his seat. He, however, has to prove his worth by convincing the vote-rich Mt Kenya region to back Ruto despite the open rebellion," said Owida.
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