Oburu Odinga Presses Claim for Kenya Deputy President Role Ahead of 2027 Election

Senator Oburu Odinga of Siaya publicly asserted that he is qualified to serve as Kenya’s deputy president, saying, “Particularly the number two position. Don't you think I deserve to be number two? Can't I be number two? I am more than qualified.” He made the remarks during President William Ruto’s meeting with village elders at State House, Nairobi, after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) announced it would back Ruto’s re‑election bid in 2027 and leave all other positions in the broad‑based government arrangement open for negotiation.

Odinga emphasized ODM’s “zoning” strategy, arguing that the party’s strongholds in counties where it holds governors, MPs and MCAs should remain under its control, and that the deputy presidency should be part of the negotiated package. He also praised President Ruto’s development agenda while acknowledging rising public debt, urging the opposition to present its own programs.

The statements signal ongoing intra‑coalition talks over the composition of Kenya’s next administration, with the deputy presidency emerging as a focal point of ODM’s bargaining position.