4 ODM Heavyweights Tipped as Possible Replacements for Kindiki as Ruto’s Running Mate

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has stepped up pressure on its coalition partner, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), saying it will only support President William Ruto’s re-election if it is given the Deputy President position under a proposed 50-50 power-sharing agreement.

Speaking during a meeting held on July 27, 2026, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, alongside Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati and Budget Committee Chairperson Samuel Atandi, maintained that ODM will not accept anything short of an equal political arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“If UDA produces the presidential candidate, ODM must produce the deputy presidential candidate so that the two parties can be together in the next election. So it’s a confirmed position that we will go for the deputy president’s position,” Junet Mohamed said.

The high-level meeting brought together senior ODM figures, where leaders also floated four names as possible contenders for the role currently held by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Among those mentioned are Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, and ODM party leader Oburu Odinga.

Also Read: Can Ruto Win in 2027 With Edwin Sifuna as His Running Mate? Analysts Weigh In

Oparanya, Joho Gain Early Backing as ODM Signals Firm Stand

Meanwhile, Junet noted that the contest remains open but singled out Oparanya as one of the leading figures within the party.

“It is open for everyone. Yesterday we talked about Oparanya, he’s one of the top contenders of the party for that position,” he said.

In addition, Atandi backed Oparanya’s track record and highlighted his performance during his tenure as Kakamega governor.

“Oparanya has been one of the most top governors. When he was governor for Kakamega, he used to be number one, he used to be rated number one. So I think his bid for President Ruto’s running mate is a strong one,” Atandi said.

At the same time, Coast leaders have thrown their weight behind Joho and urged residents to register as voters to strengthen the region’s political influence.

Consequently, Joho exuded confidence while addressing supporters.

“Kama ni nguvu, tunazo. Kama ni akili, tunayo. Kama ni uwezo, tunao. Kama ni ujuaji, tunao,” Joho said.

Also Read: Babu Owino Left ODM Because He Fears Oburu and Wanga – Gaucho

Push for Equal Share in Government

Beyond the deputy presidential slot, ODM leaders have intensified calls for equal representation in government.

For instance, Arati insisted that the party expects a 50-50 share of appointments if it backs Ruto.

“We’ll get half of the Cabinet, half of the CSs, half of everything,” Arati said.

Furthermore, Arati reiterated that ODM is firmly focused on securing the deputy presidential position as part of its broader political strategy.

“As President Ruto is going for the presidency, we will also go for the deputy as a party. That’s the position,” he said.

Party to Settle on Candidate Later

However, Junet clarified that the party’s immediate priority is to secure the position before agreeing on a candidate.

“What we want to do is to get the position as a party. Then when we get it as a party, we will sit down as a party and agree on the right person,” he said.

Similarly, Atandi noted that ODM understands the strengths of its leaders and will make a strategic choice at the right time.

“We know these leaders. We know who’s capable, we know who’s not capable,” he said.

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ODM Party County Chairpersons and Majority and Minority Leaders from the various County Assemblies across the country during a meeting in Nairobi on Monday, July 27, 2026. PHOTO/Junet Mohammed X