Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has claimed that Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga is positioning herself to run for the deputy president position in the 2027 general elections, ahead of the anticipated Orange Democratic Movement and United Democratic Alliance pre-coalition talks.

Speaking in a morning interview with a local TV station on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Senator Maanzo said this ambitious plan by the Homa Bay governor explains why she has been reportedly intensifying her political engagements and outreach within the ODM Party. He described her efforts as a clear indication of her desire to occupy the second-highest office.

“Governor Wanga is positioning herself to be the deputy president of William Ruto, and that’s why she is working so hard. ODM doesn’t need UDA for 2027, and that’s why they are demanding the DP seat; therefore, if they are not given it, what business do they have with UDA? It would be better if they formed a government by themselves,” Maanzo said.

ODM-UDA gamble

The senator’s remarks come against a backdrop of an increasingly competitive race for the deputy party position, particularly between UDA party members from the Mount Kenya region, who are seen as allies of the current Deputy President William Ruto, and leaders within ODM, who are seeking to consolidate influence in preparation for the next general election.

The sentiments from the senator come weeks after ODM party leader Oburu Odinga made a sudden U-turn on the party’s ambitions to aim for the deputy president’s position in the 2027 general election.

Speaking during a party meeting in Mombasa, Oburu insisted that the party harbours no bad blood with Kindiki, but the quest for the DP role was not off the table.

“The Deputy President’s seat is the one we are targeting the most. What I said was that we have no personal animosity towards the deputy president, but his seat is a public seat,” he said.

However, UDA leaders from the Mount Kenya region have insisted that the deputy president’s position is not up for negotiation.