Senator Maanzo claims ODM has numbers to form govt alone in 2027
By Mustafa Juma, March 5, 2026Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has claimed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has sufficient political support across the country to form a government on its own in the 2027 General Election.
While reacting to the ongoing negotiations between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) during an interview with a local TV station on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Maanzo argued that ODM’s nationwide following gives it the capacity to mount a strong presidential campaign independently.
According to Maanzo, the party’s grassroots support positions it as a formidable political force capable of contesting and winning national leadership without relying on political deals.
“ODM is a much bigger party. In fact, there is no reason ODM should not have a presidential candidate in 2027,” Maanzo said.
“ODM doesn’t need UDA for 2027, and that is why they are demanding the DP seat, the National Assembly speaker’s post, and Musalia Mudavadi’s post. So, what business does ODM have in these negotiations with UDA if it is not going to have the number two position, the speaker’s position, or the Prime Cabinet Secretary position? ODM can form a government by itself. It has enough following to form a government by itself.”
ODM’s demands from UDA
Maanzo suggested that if ODM were to enter into any form of political arrangement with UDA, the party would be justified in demanding top positions within the government, including the Deputy President’s office and other senior roles.
He pointed to statements from senior ODM figures that have hinted at expectations of significant political influence should such negotiations materialise.
Maanzo also weighed in on the growing speculation surrounding Gladys Wanga, claiming that the county boss could be positioning herself strategically within the shifting political landscape.
According to the senator, political dynamics suggest that discussions around possible power-sharing arrangements could already be underway behind the scenes.
However, he maintained that ODM’s priority should remain strengthening its independent political machinery rather than relying on external alliances.
“Governor Wanga is positioning herself to be the deputy president of William Ruto, and that’s why she is working so hard, and chances are that from what we see being proposed, the way politics works, a deal has already been arrived at. ODM has demanded position number two, which is held by Kithure Kindiki, and they have said that is what we want; Oburu has not minced his words,” he said.
Oburu Odinga’s stance
In February 2026, ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga 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.