Oburu clarifies stance on deputy president seat ahead of 2027 polls
By Faith Lagat, February 11, 2026Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga has clarified the party’s position on the deputy president seat, saying ODM is actively targeting the position but holds no personal ill-will towards the current occupant, Kithure Kindiki.
Speaking at the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Mombasa, Oburu addressed recent misinterpretations of his remarks, stressing that the deputy president’s office is a public position open to negotiation.
Oburu also said that the deputy president’s seat is the position ODM is actively targeting.
“Kuna watu wali misinterpret ati mi nilisema hatutaki kiti ya deputy president, hiyo ndio kiti ambayo tunailenga sana. Kitu mimi nilisema ni ya kuwa huyo deputy president hatuna chuki na yeye kwa ubinafsi lakini hiyo kiti ya DP ni public,” Oburu told NEC delegates.
Negotiations and party positioning
The clarification comes as ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) engage in talks over a possible 50-50 power-sharing arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga has maintained that the party will settle for nothing less than an equal share in any deal.
Oburu’s remarks appear to soften earlier positions. On November 3, 2025, he had indicated that ODM would not accept any post below the deputy presidency in negotiations. During a NYOTA funds issuance event in Kisumu County on February 2, 2026, the Siaya Senator reassured Kindiki.
“We are not going to look for less. But, Deputy President, do not think that we want your seat or that we want to remove you from your position. You are our friend.”
While ruling out personal animosity, Oburu emphasised that ODM may field or negotiate for a deputy presidential candidate, stressing the party and its community must receive their rightful share.
“As we negotiate, we are going to negotiate what our party and community deserve. We are going to negotiate fairly, and we are not going to take anybody’s share,” he added.
Regional dynamics and political implications
Political analyst and Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu described ODM’s 50-50 demand as historically justified, given the party’s stabilising role after joining the government, but noted that its success depends on unity and strength beyond traditional strongholds.
Mulu highlighted emerging regional tensions, with leaders from coastal and western Kenya seeking greater recognition, as a potential weakness in ODM’s bargaining position.