President William Ruto is trapped in a high-stakes political showdown as fierce demands from ODM collide with ironclad loyalty from Mt Kenya leaders, putting his broad-based government coalition at serious risk ahead of the 2027 general election.
The tension exploded when ODM faction led by Oburu Oginga, Gladys Wanga and Junet Mohammed openly declared that the Deputy President slot is now a must-have condition for any continued support of Ruto’s inclusive arrangement. Oginga made it crystal clear: ODM is not merely asking for talks — they want real executive power, starting with the number-two position currently occupied by Kithure Kindiki. The bold claim has sent shockwaves through Ruto’s inner circle, with strategists warning that giving in to ODM could widen his national appeal but would almost certainly inflame his most loyal Mt Kenya stronghold.
Mt Kenya is digging in its heels. Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki and a powerful bloc of regional leaders have branded the DP seat “non-negotiable,” insisting it must remain with Kindiki to repay the region’s decisive role in delivering Ruto’s 2022 victory. In a pointed jab, they even offered to “donate” Kindiki to ODM if that’s what it takes to silence the debate — but the underlying message was unmistakable: touch the position and face the consequences.
Kindiki himself has hit back hard. During recent tours in Murang’a and Meru counties, the Deputy President dismissed ODM’s push as “premature and completely out of place.” “I am the deputy president and I am not going anywhere,” he declared firmly, stressing delivery on the ground over political posturing.
The standoff exposes Ruto’s deepest dilemma. Mt Kenya leaders have drawn a firm red line around Kindiki, signaling they could walk away from the entire arrangement if the position changes hands. Meanwhile, ODM is holding firm, reportedly eyeing heavyweights such as Hassan Joho as potential candidates for the role in exchange for their backing.
Recent by-elections, where Kindiki’s mobilisation proved decisive for UDA wins, have only intensified the pressure on Ruto to keep his current deputy intact. Political observers say the UDA-ODM pact now hangs in the balance — one wrong move could fracture the fragile alliance just when Ruto needs maximum unity to fend off a resurgent opposition in 2027.
As the clock ticks toward the next election, Kenya watches closely: Will Ruto risk losing Mt Kenya’s unbreakable support to accommodate ODM, or will he stand by Kindiki and brace for a fiercer battle from Raila’s camp? The President’s next decision could redefine Kenya’s political map for a generation.
