How DP position will define Ruto’s re-election ambition
By Aloys Michael, April 1, 2026The battle for the deputy president slot is fast emerging as a critical factor in shaping President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid as coalition talks intensify and political alignments begin to take shape.
Once largely seen as a constitutional requirement, the office has evolved into a powerful feature for coalition-building, regional balance and voter mobilisation in the country’s competitive political environment.
The choice of running mate could significantly influence turnout patterns, particularly in battleground counties, where ethnic arithmetic and regional loyalty remain decisive.
The unfolding political contest is expected to be negotiations between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which are expected to shape pre-election coalition arrangements.
Both sides are aggressively positioning themselves to secure the deputy president slot, widely seen as the most valuable bargaining chip in any potential alliance.
ODM has made its position clear, with party leader Oburu Oginga insisting that the party will only negotiate from a position of strength.
UDA insiders, he said, believe that keeping Kindiki as deputy president would project unity and avoid unsettling the party’s core support base, particularly in the Mt Kenya region.
Kindiki assumed the role in October 2024 following the impeachment of the Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) party leader Rigathi Gachagua, and his allies insist he is the automatic running mate for Ruto in 2027.
The push for the position has also taken on a regional dimension, with Coast leaders rallying behind Mining CS Hassan Ali Joho as their preferred candidate.
Abdulswamad Nassir has led the campaign, arguing that the region deserves representation at the highest levels of government.
“By 2027, the Deputy President should come from ODM and specifically from the Coast,” he said.
“Our preferred candidate is Hassan Joho. This is not just about politics; it is about ensuring the Coast’s interests are protected in government.”
Speaking during a recent gathering, Mvita MP Mohamed Machele emphasised the importance of regional inclusion in coalition talks.
“The Coast must be present at the table during discussions. Our region has unique challenges, and we are advocating for a deputy president who understands them,” he said.
Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for leadership that understands local issues.
“We need someone from the Coast in leadership because they understand the problems we face, including land and community matters. This representation is vital for our development,” she said.
Scramble for DP seat
Even as Coast leaders push their case, some ODM insiders argue that if the party secures the deputy slot, the candidate should come from its traditional stronghold in Nyanza.
Names such as Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga have been floated, highlighting internal debates within the party over regional balance and political strategy.
UDA, on the other hand, has moved to quell speculation over potential changes to the ticket, reaffirming that Kindiki will remain Ruto’s running mate.
Allies warn that dropping him could cost the President crucial support in Mt Kenya, a key voting bloc.
Then again, retaining him risks weakening ODM’s enthusiasm, exposing the delicate balancing act facing Ruto.
There is also growing speculation that Ruto could settle on a compromise candidate, such as Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, in a bid to unify competing interests in the coalition.
Kindiki allies defends seat
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has slammed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga over his recent remarks that the party is interested in the deputy president position in the 2027 elections.
Ruku has warned the ODM party that the position will not be vacant in the 2027 elections, saying that the current deputy president, Kithure Kindiki, will not be shortchanged.
Ruku has called on the members of the ODM party to shun their ambitions for the deputy president, saying that, as much as the Mount Kenya region has accepted being in the broad-based government, the position will be held by Kithure Kindiki until the year 2032.
“To the ODM Party, we have accepted to be in the broad-based government, and we shall work in it with William Ruto to bring unity to Kenya and to make sure that the government works for the people. Kithure Kindiki is the deputy president of the Republic of Kenya for now and in the 2027 elections until 2032.” He said.
“If the ODM party is interested in the position, we shall give it after that, when Kithure Kindiki will be vying for the presidency. We shall pick one person from the ODM party to be the deputy president, but for now, the position is not vacant.”