Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairman Oburu Oginga has publicly declared his interest in becoming President William Ruto's running mate in the 2027 General Election, adding a fresh twist to the growing debate over who could occupy the second-highest office if the President seeks re-election.

Speaking during a meeting at State House where President Ruto hosted village elders, Oburu said ODM had already settled on supporting the President's bid for a second term, leaving other elective positions open for negotiation within the emerging political arrangement.

"As ODM we will not have a candidate. Our candidate is President William Ruto, but all the other positions are negotiable, particularly number two. Don't you think I deserve to be number two? Mimi nimetosha," Oburu said.

His remarks come at a time when cooperation between ODM and Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration continues to reshape Kenya's political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. Although ODM has increasingly worked alongside the government through the broad-based arrangement, discussions about the coalition's future leadership structure remain unresolved.

Oburu defended the partnership, saying it was aimed at supporting national development rather than advancing partisan interests.

"We are working with President Ruto in this broad-based government. My small brother Raila Odinga left us there and we are going to work together to make a strong government and always push for having a vision," he said.

The veteran politician also urged critics of the administration to focus on presenting alternative policy ideas instead of dismissing government programmes outright.

"The president is trying his best and the opposition should also try to bring their own programmes that they want to do to the people," he said.

Oburu also weighed in on criticism surrounding Kenya's growing public debt, arguing that borrowing should be judged by how the money is used rather than the size of the debt alone.

"Some people are saying he is burdening the country with debt, but that debt he is not eating, he is paying the people. If it is something that is benefiting the people we must appreciate it," he said.

His comments came after Treasury data showed Kenya's public debt rose to about KSh12.82 trillion following additional borrowing during the first four months of the year to finance government programmes and development projects.

Despite Oburu's endorsement, the question of who would serve as Ruto's running mate remains politically sensitive.

Leaders within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have continued to back Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the natural choice for the position. However, sections of ODM have openly supported Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, signalling that negotiations over the coalition's future leadership are far from settled.

Oburu's declaration is the clearest indication yet that other senior ODM figures may also seek influential positions should the political alliance between the two parties continue into the next election cycle.