Alai threatens to quit ODM if demands on Ruto persists
By Luke Oluoch, November 5, 2025Kilelleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai has maintained his controversial stance that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) should cease its demands on President William Ruto over the deputy president position.
Speaking to a local TV station on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the outspoken MCA stated that the move was tantamount to intimidating the president.
According to the MCA, the Orange party should earn the position.
This comes after he urged ODM leaders to stop blackmailing Ruto over the 2027 elections.
Earn the DP slot
The DP position cannot be given to you through intimidation. We must not allow people to intimidate the president. Anyone wishing to be made the DP must be humble and come with no conditions,” he stated.
“We did not support this government, which has given us ministries and other powerful positions like the PSs, and we need to be careful when issuing demands,” he added.
Alai, who admits that Gachagua also deployed a similar ploy against Ruto, threatened to consider working with the now Democracy for Citizens Party leader if ODM maintains its position.
“If these demands continue, then I would rather go back and convince Gachagua instead of working with the angels I know in ODM,” he added.
Demands for DP slot
Alai’s remarks stem from his earlier assertion that ODM leaders must exercise restraint and respect in their political engagements with President Ruto, following an interview where Oburu Odinga alluded to the least position the party would accept from the incumbent regime.
He warned them against using what he termed “blackmail as a political currency” ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“ODM leaders must avoid blackmail as a currency in their engagements with H.E. William Ruto. Anyone giving the President ultimatums on behalf of supporters must know that there are some things only Baba Raila Odinga could get away with because of his experience, performance, and character in the political sphere,” Alai stated.
Additionally, he emphasised that ODM’s cooperation with President Ruto should be based on respect and mutual understanding, not threats or political demands.
“We are going to 2027 as ODM to support President Ruto without conditions. Anyone from ODM giving Ruto conditions is on a thin line of blackmail, which we won’t allow or entertain,” Alai stated.