Wanga Reveals ODM’s Preferred Running Mate for Ruto, Rules Out Oburu Oginga

Callistus Ouma Odhiambo 7 hours ago

Homabay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga has announced that Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho has what it takes to become President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Sunday, April 26, Wanga said the ODM Party led by Dr. Oburu Oginga is engaging the ruling party UDA in pre-coalition talks ahead of the next polls.

Wanga said ODM is the largest party in Kenya and enters into the discussions as equal partners with UDA.

“We have entered into talks with our colleagues, and I want to declare here that we are the biggest party in the region. When we enter into talks, we will enter as equal partners,” Wanga said.

Joho Has What it Takes – Wanga

She stated that the positions will be split in half between UDA and ODM, adding that if the ruling party produces the president, ODM must get the deputy president position, and Joho is the ideal candidate.

“And when seats are put on the table, it will be 50-50. If they produce a president, we will produce a deputy president. And once we achieve that, we will meet in the corner as ODM because Joho has what it takes.”

Also Read: Blow to Ruto as ODM Names Its Presidential Candidate for 2027

Several names have been floated as potential ODM leaders to deputize President Ruto in the 2027 polls.

These include Oburu, Wanga herself, CS Joho, among others.

Oburu’s Message to Kindiki

In February 2026, Oburu told Deputy President Kithure Kindiki that ODM has no intention of ousting him in the ongoing pre-election talks.

However, Oburu said ODM will negotiate for its share without ruling out the possibility of going for the running mate position.

Also Read: OPINION: 2027 Power and Pressure-Why William Ruto Leads, but the Race Is Far from Safe

“We are not going to look for less. But, deputy president, do not think that we want your seat or that we want to remove you from your position. You are our friend,” Oburu said.

“As we negotiate, we are going to negotiate what our party and community deserve. We are going to negotiate fairly, and we are not going to take anybody’s share.”

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