Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has told nominated MP Sabina Chege that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) must secure the deputy president slot in 2027 and the presidency in 2032.

In a statement posted on his social media accounts on Sunday, February 15, 2025, the lawmaker was responding to Sabina, who had warned ODM over what she termed as its sudden appetite for the DP position.

She urged the party to go slow, arguing that President William Ruto would still retain Kithure Kindiki as his deputy after 2027 and that Kindiki would eventually succeed him in 2032.

“ODM comes slowly. Kindiki is ours; he will still be the DP past 2027, and in 2032, he will even vie for the presidency,” Sabina stated.

Kaluma dismisses Sabina’s view

Kaluma has dismissed Sabina’s view, arguing that the Mt Kenya region is not fully supporting President Ruto the way the Nyanza region is currently doing, despite Mt Kenya currently holding a majority of positions in Ruto’s government.

According to him, it’s the ODM party which should be given the running mate slot and produce a presidential candidate in 2032.

“We must get the DP seat in 2027 and the Presidency in 2032. You can’t shout about retaining the DP seat, yet your people are not supporting President Ruto despite him appointing your people to all critical positions in public service and granting you the lion’s share of development.” Kaluma insisted.

Kaluma’s remarks come days after ODM party leader Oburu Odinga stated that in any upcoming merger with UDA, the party would settle for nothing less than the deputy president slot.

UDA leaders defending Kindiki

His stance has, however, attracted opposition from several leaders drawn from the Mt Kenya region, with them threatening to bolt out of government should the push continue.

Among the first to oppose the move was Muthomi Njuki, the Tharaka Nithi Governor. Njuki argued that if ODM insists the Deputy President must come from its party, then Kindiki should resign from UDA, join ODM, and retain the seat under that arrangement.

He termed that as the only compromise acceptable to leaders from the region, insisting their “kinsman” must remain at the helm beyond 2027.

He was seconded by Public Service and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who echoed similar sentiments, saying the DP slot remains reserved for Kindiki and is non-negotiable.

Other UDA-allied MPs, including Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a and Kiambaa MP John Kawanjiku, have also defended Kindiki, warning that any attempt to push him out would trigger a political fallout in the Mt Kenya region.

Wanjiku defends ODM

However, leaders aligned to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, led by Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, have sided with ODM’s push for the DP slot. Muhia argued that when they previously fought for the interests of Mt Kenya, they were branded tribalists. Now, she noted, those who criticised them find themselves advancing similar regional interests.

She added that they would have no issue if the seat were handed to Oburu or even ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, questioning what the pro-Kindiki camp expected after ODM signed a cooperation agreement with President Ruto. According to her, the emerging cracks were predictable.

Kindiki’s DP debate take

Kindiki himself appeared to respond to the debate, urging Mt Kenya residents not to be alarmed by the ongoing political noise.  He described himself as a seasoned political strategist who chooses his moments carefully.

“Msibabaishwe na ile mambo kidogo kidogo ambayo mnaskia hapa na pale. Hii mambo ingine yote ya siasa, sisi ndio mafundi wa siasa, my friend. Na hatuongeangi sana. We know we talk at the right time,” he said.