Speaking at a public event in Kisumu County, Odinga directly addressed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, saying his Orange Democratic Movement has no interest in ousting him from office despite ongoing talks about a potential 50-50 power distribution with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance.
“We are not going to look for less. But, Deputy President, do not think that we want your seat or that we want to remove you from your position. You are our friend,” Odinga, a senator from Siaya County, told the gathering during a government funding event.
Shift in Political Strategy
The remarks represent an apparent reversal from Odinga’s position three months earlier, when he suggested his party wouldn’t settle for anything less than the deputy presidency in any coalition negotiations. The change in tone comes as both parties work to solidify support in Kenya’s fragmented political landscape.
While ruling out a direct challenge to Kindiki, Odinga left open the possibility that ODM could field its own deputy presidential candidate in 2027, saying his community deserves its rightful share of political power.
“As we negotiate, we are going to negotiate what our party and community deserve. We are going to negotiate fairly, and we are not going to take anybody’s share,” he said.
The statement appears designed to ease pressure on Ruto to retain Kindiki, whose support is considered crucial in Kenya’s vote-rich Mount Kenya region. Political observers say the assurance could allow the ruling party to focus on securing other positions for ODM within the government structure.
Internal Challenges for Opposition
ODM’s push for equal power-sharing faces obstacles both within and outside the party. Makali Mulu, a political analyst and member of parliament, said the party’s demand has historical merit, particularly given its role in stabilizing the government after joining the coalition.
However, he warned that coalition bargaining requires more than public statements.
“It is good to make these statements they are making, but I think ODM has much more to do at the level of ODM before they claim the 50%,” Mulu said in a television interview Monday.
Regional tensions within ODM threaten to undermine its bargaining position. Coastal leaders have publicly demanded greater influence within the party, warning they could pursue an independent political path if their concerns aren’t addressed. Similar discontent has emerged in Western Kenya, where leaders say their contributions to ODM’s national profile haven’t been adequately recognized.
“That claim of 50% can only become realistic if they remain united,” Mulu said.
Impact on Ruling Coalition
ODM’s entrance into government has created friction within the ruling United Democratic Alliance, according to Mulu. Many UDA legislators privately complain that the opposition party’s presence has reduced their political influence, particularly in competition for development resources.
“The coming in of ODM to the government really messed a lot of their plans as individual plans,” he noted.
ODM party chairperson Gladys Wanga has maintained that the party will insist on equal power-sharing in ongoing talks with UDA. The negotiations take on added significance as opposition forces mobilize for the 2027 elections, with several parties attempting to unseat Ruto’s coalition.
As both sides navigate the complex political terrain, observers say the outcome will depend on whether ODM can demonstrate electoral value beyond its traditional strongholds and maintain internal unity amid growing regional pressures.
