ODM Now Firmly Targets Deputy President Slot in UDA Coalition Talks 22 web pages
ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has made a dramatic reversal, declaring that the Orange Democratic Movement will aggressively pursue the Deputy President position in ongoing coalition negotiations with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking to party delegates during a meeting in Mombasa on February 12, 2026, Oburu insisted he had been misquoted in earlier statements where he appeared to rule out seeking the slot. He clarified: “That Deputy President seat is what we are targeting very strongly,” adding that his previous remarks in Kisumu were meant only to assure Deputy President Kithure Kindiki that ODM harbors no personal animosity toward him. He emphasized that the position is a public office open to political negotiation, not tied to any individual.
Oburu justified the demand by highlighting ODM’s significant national influence, widespread voter support, and political weight, arguing the party deserves a substantial share in any broad-based government arrangement with President William Ruto. He further criticized former President Uhuru Kenyatta for allegedly allowing the 2022 election to be “grabbed” from Raila Odinga and Azimio la Umoja, urging him to step back and leave ODM to chart its own course. The party leader also revealed that following the National Executive Committee (NEC) session in Mombasa, ODM plans to formally exit the Azimio la Umoja coalition while continuing participation in the current broad-based government setup.
The statement marks a clear escalation in ODM’s bargaining stance ahead of the 2027 elections, amid internal party realignments and factional tensions following Raila Odinga’s passing. Oburu’s comments contrast sharply with his February 2, 2026, remarks in Kisumu, where he reassured Kindiki: “We are not going to look for less... deputy president, do not think that we want your seat or that we want to remove you from your position. You are our friend.” The push for the DP slot underscores ODM’s ambition to secure high-level influence in any pre-election pact with UDA, potentially reshaping Kenya’s political alliances.
