ODM deputy party leaders Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Nassir have demanded the Deputy President’s position in any future power-sharing arrangement with President William Ruto. They insist that the party must secure clear terms before committing to a political deal with UDA. The two governors emphasized that ODM must negotiate from a position of strength and secure guarantees on its representation in government, including the country’s second-highest office.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati stressed that ODM could not enter into an arrangement with UDA without a formal agreement outlining the conditions of cooperation. He dismissed calls for ODM to work with Ruto without setting conditions, arguing that the party had a responsibility to protect its interests and the political ideals championed by its late leader Raila Odinga. Arati also hit out at critics questioning ODM’s political strength following the departure of some members.
Arati maintained that the current party leadership represented the political legacy of Raila Odinga, saying ODM would continue pursuing the rights and freedoms for which the former Prime Minister fought. He also stated that ODM was full and actively mobilising its supporters, with only a few members having departed. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir declared that the Deputy President’s position must be reserved for the Orange party in any future political arrangement.
Nassir said ODM would also field candidates across all elective positions, from Members of County Assembly to senators. His remarks signal the party’s intention to negotiate for a substantial share of political power should it formalise a working arrangement with Ruto’s UDA ahead of the next elections. However, the demands come amid differing positions within ODM over the nature and timing of a formal agreement with the ruling party.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga has maintained that the party is already participating in the broad-based government through established structures and that negotiations should be handled through authorised party organs. Oburu distinguished the broad-based government from a coalition government, arguing that the two arrangements operate differently and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Oburu disclosed that ODM had appointed a five-member technical team to work on the party’s constitution and policies, adding that the team was nearing completion of its assignment. He also revealed that a separate coalition negotiating team would be appointed jointly by his side and President Ruto’s team before February 2027. Oburu urged party members to respect established structures and avoid making pronouncements that could undermine ongoing discussions.
The demands by ODM leaders come ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the party seeking to secure a significant share of power in any future arrangement with UDA. The party’s stance on the Deputy President position and other elective offices is seen as a crucial aspect of its strategy to strengthen its presence in government. Key discussions are expected to take place in the coming months as ODM and UDA negotiate the terms of their potential cooperation.
Key points
- ODM demands the Deputy President position in any future power-sharing arrangement with President William Ruto.
- The party insists on negotiating from a position of strength and securing guarantees on its representation in government.
- ODM leader Oburu Oginga emphasises the importance of respecting established structures and avoiding pronouncements that could undermine ongoing discussions.
