A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders has declared that the party will demand the Deputy President position in ongoing negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), insisting the slot must be awarded to a woman from ODM.

Speaking on Saturday, February 14, 2026, during the party’s Linda Ground tour in Mombasa and Kwale counties, the leaders rallied supporters behind a push for greater representation in any power-sharing arrangement that may emerge from the talks.

Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed said women voters would play a decisive role in the 2027 General Election and must be considered in top leadership negotiations.

“And we are telling you, Your Excellency, if you want your government to succeed, if you want a second term, look at women. Women are 28 million voters,” she said. “As we go for negotiations, me as a woman, with my fellow 28 million women, we are saying the Deputy President will, shall, and, Inshaallah, be a woman from ODM.”

Opposition

Her remarks were echoed by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who challenged the notion that ODM must permanently remain in opposition while others benefit from government positions.

“Kuna wale wanaona ODM lazima ibaki kwa mapambano. Ati sisi tupambane wao wakule. Ati tupambane, huku wengine wakiingia kwa serikali. Tuendelee kupambana ama tutafute njia ya kuingia kwa serikali?” Wanga said.

Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo confirmed that the party leadership was already engaged in the talks, revealing that party leader Oburu Oginga had been sent to represent ODM in negotiations.

“Tumemtuma party leader wetu Oburu Oginga katika mazungumzo na watu ambao wamekomaa akili kama our chair Gladys Wanga,” Omanyo remarked.

Oburu on DP slot

This comes days after Oburu 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.