ODM leader Oburu Odinga has moved to calm political nerves, dismissing claims that he wants the deputy president’s seat in ongoing talks with President William Ruto’s party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking in Kisumu County during the issuance of Nyota funds, alongside President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Oburu said he had no interest in pushing Kindiki out of office.

“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,” Oburu said.

Fair share, not personal ambition

While ruling himself out, Oburu stopped short of closing the door on ODM seeking the deputy presidency as part of broader coalition talks.

He said negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) would centre on what ODM believes is a fair share of government.

“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 added.

His remarks come amid rising speculation that ODM was targeting the DP post as part of a possible 50–50 power-sharing deal with UDA in 2027.

Why the rumours grew

The debate intensified after ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga said the party would only back a coalition if it was guaranteed an equal share of government.

That statement sparked questions about which senior posts could be on the table, including the deputy presidency.

Further fuel was added during a recent UDA National Governing Council meeting, where President Ruto assured members that the presidency would remain with UDA, but did not address the DP position.

In November 2025, Oburu had also said ODM would not settle for anything below the deputy president’s office in any serious negotiations. That comment has continued to shadow the current talks.

Assurance for Kindiki

Oburu’s latest remarks appear aimed at easing concerns within UDA ranks, especially around Kindiki’s future.

They suggest ODM’s focus is on influence within government rather than targeting specific individuals.

Swipe at the opposition

During the Kisumu event, Oburu also criticised the opposition, questioning whether it had a clear plan to defeat President Ruto in 2027.

He argued that opposition leaders were not presenting a united or nationwide challenge.

Oburu praised government programmes he said benefit citizens across the country and promised calm, orderly talks as political alignments ahead of 2027 take shape.

For now, his message was clear: ODM wants a fair deal, but not at the cost of forcing out the current deputy president.