NAIROBI, Kenya- The race for President William Ruto’s 2027 running mate position has gained a new entrant after ODM leader Dr. Oburu Oginga signalled interest in the Deputy President slot, adding another layer of complexity to ongoing political negotiations between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Oburu, who is 82 years old, has maintained that ODM will not field a presidential candidate in 2027 and that the party is prepared to support Ruto’s re-election bid as part of a broader political arrangement.
The ODM leader has argued that the party’s support must come with meaningful participation in government, including negotiations over senior positions.
His interest in the Deputy President position now places him among several ODM figures whose names have emerged in discussions around Ruto’s potential running mate.
ODM’s Growing List of Contenders
Apart from Oburu Oginga, other ODM leaders linked to the Deputy President conversation include Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya.
Oparanya has received backing from sections of ODM and Western Kenya leaders, with some party officials pushing for him to be considered as Ruto’s running mate in 2027.
Gladys Wanga’s name has also featured in discussions, with ODM previously indicating that she could be considered for the position if she expresses interest and receives approval through party structures.
Ruto Holds Key Decision
While ODM has increased pressure for a larger role in the Kenya Kwanza administration, the final decision on the presidential ticket remains with President Ruto.
The President’s current deputy, Kithure Kindiki, has also been mentioned as a potential running mate for 2027. A TIFA survey released in 2026 showed Kindiki leading among respondents supporting Ruto’s re-election, ahead of other possible contenders including Gladys Wanga, Oburu Oginga and Hassan Joho.
The entry of Oburu into the conversation could intensify negotiations between ODM and UDA, as both sides seek to balance regional representation, political loyalty and electoral strategy ahead of the next General Election.
Negotiating the Broad-Based Alliance
ODM’s support for Ruto has opened discussions on possible power-sharing arrangements, with party leaders pushing for a significant role in government if the partnership proceeds.
Some ODM officials have argued that the party’s backing should be matched with senior government positions, including the Deputy President slot.
With multiple ODM figures now associated with the position, the decision will require President Ruto to weigh competing interests within his coalition as he prepares his 2027 re-election strategy.
