Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has called on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to resolve internal conflicts before pursuing high-stakes positions in ongoing negotiations with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Posting on X on Sunday, February 15, 2026, Olekina warned that premature demands for top slots risk weakening the party’s bargaining power.

“In realist wisdom, ODM first crushes internal wrangles to seize parliamentary supremacy. Let shortsighted voices demanding top slots in our weakness be condemned as saboteurs; our united strength alone earns the influence our people demand. Wake up ODM!” he wrote.

ODM DP seat

The senator’s remarks come amid heightened tensions within ODM over the party’s strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Oburu Oginga, the ODM party leader, has repeatedly emphasised that the Deputy President position is the primary and most highly contested seat the party is aggressively targeting in its negotiations with the ruling UDA.

Addressing the ODM National Executive Committee in Mombasa recently, Oburu clarified what he described as misinterpretations of his earlier statements, insisting that the DP seat remains ODM’s main focus despite no personal ill-will towards the current occupant, Prof. Kithure Kindiki. “Hiyo ndio kiti ambayo tunailenga sana,” he stated.

Also, a section of party leaders has openly declared that ODM will push for the Deputy President position and that it must go to a woman from the party.

Women’s representation at the centre of ODM negotiations

During the party’s Linda Ground tour in Mombasa and Kwale counties on February 14, 2026 Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed told supporters that women, who constitute 28 million voters, must play a central role in any power-sharing deal.

“And we are telling you, Your Excellency, if you want your government to succeed, if you want a second term, look at women… As we go for negotiations, we are saying the Deputy President will, shall, and, Inshaallah, be a woman from ODM,” Mohammed declared.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga supported the call, questioning why ODM should remain in perpetual opposition while others reap government benefits. “Kuna wale wanaona ODM lazima ibaki kwa mapambano. Ati sisi tupambane wao wakule… Tuendelee kupambana ama tutafute njia ya kuingia kwa serikali?” she asked.

Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo confirmed that party leader Oburu Oginga has been mandated to represent ODM in the negotiations. Oburu recently told the ODM National Executive Committee in Mombasa that the party is actively targeting the Deputy President seat, emphasising that there is no personal animosity towards the current holder, Prof Kithure Kindiki.

Divergent views highlight internal ODM debate

Not everyone agrees with the strategy. Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai dismissed the push for the deputy presidency as a “very big mistake”, arguing that deputy positions in Kenya hold little real power.

“It’s a very big mistake for ODM to demand the deputy presidency. Very huge mistake… Deputy Anything is the most useless seat in Kenya. Sijui Deputy Chairman, Deputy OCS, Deputy OCPD, Deputy Governor etc… Useless seat!” Alai posted on February 14, 2026.