Deputy President or No Deal: Oburu Oginga Sets ODM 2027 Terms

Dr Oburu Oginga, the interim leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has declared that the party will only accept the position of deputy president in any coalition formed ahead of the 2027 general election.

In an interview with NTV and the Daily Nation, Dr Oginga said ODM would not settle for a role lower than the deputy presidency, signalling a firm stance as succession discussions intensify following the death of the party’s founding leader, Raila Odinga. His remarks indicate a shift in ODM’s strategy towards securing executive power and avoiding a return to opposition politics.

The statement carries major implications for Kenya’s political alliances. If ODM maintains its cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the position of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki could be affected. If the party instead joins the opposition, its demand for a top position could complicate negotiations within emerging opposition coalitions.

Dr Oginga’s leadership comes at a time of uncertainty within ODM. While some senior members have voiced support for President Ruto’s administration, others, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, have maintained that the party has not yet decided its 2027 strategy. Dr Oginga affirmed that Mr Sifuna’s position reflects the party’s official stance and dismissed claims of internal divisions.

ODM’s current cooperation with the government is based on a 10-point memorandum of understanding signed with UDA in March 2025. The deal includes commitments to youth empowerment, devolution, press freedom, and the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report. Dr Oginga said the arrangement is focused on governance rather than election planning and that ODM remains free to reassess its alliances.

“We are not tied,” he said. “If we feel shortchanged, we can speak to anyone else. But if this partnership works, nothing stops us from continuing together.”

Participation of ODM leaders such as John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi in the Cabinet has sparked debate about the party’s independence. Dr Oginga clarified that while they serve in government, they do not represent the party institutionally. He defended ODM’s decision to work with President Ruto, saying it reflected Raila Odinga’s wish to stabilise the country after a period of unrest.

“Raila saw that the demonstrations were pushing the country towards instability. He told us joining hands with Ruto was the only way to avert chaos,” Dr Oginga said.

He added that although Raila Odinga did not leave a formal succession plan, he made it clear that ODM should remain part of the government. This, Dr Oginga said, guided the inclusion of key ODM figures in Ruto’s Cabinet and marked a deliberate shift towards pragmatic cooperation.

Commenting on the wider opposition field, Dr Oginga acknowledged Kalonzo Musyoka’s influence but ruled out ODM support unless he aligns with the party. He described Fred Matiang’i as capable but politically untested and questioned the national appeal of leaders such as David Maraga and Martha Karua.

Dr Oginga also rejected claims that ODM is a family-run organisation, saying his appointment as interim leader was approved by the party’s National Executive Committee after a proposal by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir. 

“ODM is not Jaramogi’s party,” he said, referring to his father’s political legacy.

Addressing internal debates in Nyanza, he downplayed generational differences, saying the discussions within ODM are driven by ideas rather than age. He recognised the growing influence of younger leaders such as Babu Owino, Gladys Wanga, and Cabinet Secretaries Mbadi and Wandayi, while calling for unity and continuity.

With the 2027 election approaching, Dr Oginga said ODM intends to play a central role in Kenya’s next coalition government. Whether it remains aligned with President Ruto or pursues new alliances, its insistence on the deputy presidency signals a more assertive political strategy. The key challenge, he said, will be maintaining unity and a clear direction in a rapidly changing political environment.