ODM Sets Condition for Backing Ruto, Wants Oparanya as Deputy President

ODM leaders have renewed their push for the Deputy President position, preferring Oparanya as the party continues negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The leaders said ODM’s support for President William Ruto’s re-election should come with the party securing the Deputy President slot.

They backed Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya as their preferred candidate to deputise Ruto in the 2027 elections.

Speaking in Malava, Kakamega County on July 26, the leaders said Oparanya was best placed to unite the Western Kenya vote behind Ruto.

“As ODM, we have agreed that President William Ruto will be our presidential candidate in 2027. However, we in ODM have said that the Deputy President should come from the ODM party. And the person who is best suited to be Deputy President is Wycliffe Oparanya,” Aseka Miradi said.

Junet Backs Oparanya

ODM Secretary-General Junet Mohamed said the political arrangement should see UDA provide the President while ODM provides the Deputy President.

“UDA should provide the President, while ODM should provide the Deputy President. We will put forward Wycliffe Oparanya,” Junet said.

The leaders argued that Oparanya could help consolidate Western Kenya’s support for Ruto, citing his long-standing association with ODM and his influence in the region.

Catherine Omanyo said every community needed a leader who could provide direction.

“Every community has someone who provides direction. We have our own son, who is called CS Oparanya,” she said.

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The CS Calls for Direct Entry into Government

Oparanya called for tangible gains for ODM in the ongoing talks with UDA.

He described the negotiations as a new political chapter and urged the Mulembe community to support his efforts to unite the region.

“We had Raila, who used to take us in through the window or the back door. This time, we want to enter the government of William Ruto directly. We are saying that all negotiations between UDA and ODM should continue until we get to the table,” Oparanya said.

The renewed push for the Deputy President position comes as ODM and UDA continue discussions on a possible political arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Kindiki Warns ODM Leaders

The demands have also triggered a response from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who warned against treating the government as belonging to one side of the political divide.

Speaking on Saturday, July 25, Kindiki said the government should not be judged based on the region from which the Deputy President comes.

“The government cannot be good when the Deputy President comes from this side, and then become bad when the Deputy President comes from the other side. So, stop playing games with this government. This is our government; we are not leaving. We are fighting from within,” Kindiki said.

He acknowledged the entry of new members, including Oparanya, but said those already in government would continue pushing for their interests from within.

“I know our numbers have grown, with people like Oparanya joining us, and they have been welcomed, but we are not leaving. We cannot abandon them; we will continue fighting from within because this is our government,” he added.

ODM Leaders Attack Linda Mwananchi Faction

The ODM leaders also criticised the Linda Mwananchi faction led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

They dismissed the group and insisted that Western Kenya remained firmly behind ODM.

The leaders also accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of financing efforts to weaken ODM and divide the Western Kenya vote.

Junet claimed that the money being used to support activities aimed at dividing ODM came from Uhuru Kenyatta.

“All this money that you see being used to trouble ODM and divide the party is Uhuru Kenyatta’s money. They are using aeroplanes and, now, helicopters. Who is paying for them if it is not Uhuru?” Junet said.

Omanyo also called for the region to demand recognition before deciding how to vote in the 2027 elections.

“Those who do not like this region should rise up; they should not even sleep at night. Do not go to vote until we are recognised and counted as a region,” she said.

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Linda Mwananchi Faction Led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna While Attending a Rally in Postal Grounds Bungoma on July 26
PHOTO/Linda Mwananchi