A political contest is emerging within the broad-based alliance as leaders from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) differ over who should serve as President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election.
While UDA leaders have reaffirmed their support for Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, ODM leaders are pushing for Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to be considered for the position.
Speaking separately in Nakuru and Embu counties, Kenya Kwanza leaders insisted that Kindiki remains President Ruto’s preferred deputy ahead of the next election.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku dismissed calls to renegotiate the deputy presidency, arguing that while other senior government positions could be shared, the President and Deputy President positions were settled.
“If you want the Prime Minister’s position, take it. If you want the Speaker or Senate Speaker positions, take them. But the President and Deputy President positions belong to Ruto and Kindiki. Stop disturbing us every day with talks about the deputy presidency,” Ruku said.
John Bwire also defended Kindiki, describing him as one of President Ruto’s closest and most dependable allies.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged leaders from the Mt. Kenya region to rally behind Kindiki, questioning why they would withhold support from him despite his roots in the region.
Meanwhile, ODM leaders speaking at Kima Comprehensive School in Vihiga County intensified calls for Oparanya to be the coalition’s preferred deputy presidential candidate, arguing that the party deserves greater representation in the country’s top leadership.
Acting ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo said the Deputy President should come from ODM, urging party members to remain united and avoid internal divisions.
Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka argued that the decision should be based on political strength, claiming the Western region commands about five million votes behind Oparanya.
For his part, Oparanya called for unity within the broad-based administration, saying leaders should work together under President Ruto’s government.
The succession debate has also taken a regional dimension, with leaders from the Coast reportedly backing Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho for the deputy presidency. At the same time, some ODM insiders argue that if the party secures the running mate position, the nominee should come from its traditional support base in the Nyanza region.
The differing positions underscore the political negotiations expected to shape the broad-based coalition as parties prepare for the 2027 General Election.
