Renowned City lawyer Willis Otieno has slammed the Orange Democratic Movement and United Democratic Alliance decision to file for the Deputy President position ahead of the anticipated 2027 general elections.

In a post on his official X account on Saturday, February 21, 2026, Otieno criticised the leaders for holding power-sharing talks instead of policy commitment conversations.

On his part, the lawyer argued that the leaders have so far created the perception of elite bargaining rather than public-centred governance.

“When parties like Orange Democratic Movement and United Democratic Alliance appear to focus their merger discussions on positions and power-sharing rather than policy commitments, it creates the perception of elite bargaining rather than public-centred governance,” Willis said.

He went on explaining that in democratic politics, victory is not defined by who secures cabinet posts or influence, but rather by whether citizens experience tangible improvements in healthcare, economic stability, and public services.

“If people are still struggling to access treatment in hospitals or meet basic needs, then consolidating power cannot reasonably be framed as success. Political legitimacy ultimately depends on outcomes for the population, not the distribution of offices among leaders,” he added.

Oburu’s remarks

Willis remarks come just a day after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Oburu Oginga, declared that the party is ready to settle for the Deputy President position ahead of the highly anticipated pre-election talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Speaking during a consultative meeting held at the Siaya County Assembly chambers, Dr Oburu dismissed claims by some government leaders that the Deputy President’s seat is untouchable, saying ODM remains focused on negotiations that will safeguard its interests within the broad-based government.

The ODM leader emphasised that the party’s participation in the broad-based government remains firm, noting that they would not abandon the arrangement initiated by the late Raila Odinga.

The ODM leader emphasised that the party’s participation in the broad-based government remains firm, noting that they would not abandon the arrangement initiated by the late Raila Odinga.

“We’re going to negotiate hard, we won’t leave anything out. Those who thought that we’re not going to demand the Deputy Presidency, that is one of them. It’s not the only issue but it is one of them,” he stated.