ODM demands more, bigger jobs to support Ruto

ODM leader Oburu Oginga and other leaders during Raila Odinga’s memorial service at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay. [James Omoro, Standard]

A political showdown is looming between ODM and President William Ruto as the party demands the deputy presidency slot to guarantee their re-election support.

On Sunday, senior party officials said there must be a structured agreement with a more advanced role for the party in the presidency.

The fresh demands by the Orange party are likely to trigger a political battle between ODM and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who hopes to retain the position beyond the next election.

However, as it pushes for the DP slot, the party is also struggling with internal wrangles, with one side led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, opposing any support for Ruto beyond 2027.

Speaking in Lugari, Kakamega County, after visiting the home of the late Cyrus Jirongo, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga said they are pushing for higher representation in the formation of the next government.

“As we approach the 2027 election, we must sit down and have an open discussion with Ruto’s side to know what our stake is as ODM before we form the next government,” said Wanga.

She added: “We are supporting the broad-based government as our late leader, Raila Odinga, left us. The current positions we hold in the broad-based government were not ones we voted for. However, as we approach 2027, we must strengthen our party and come to the table for discussion to determine our share.”

Suna East MP Junet Mohammed said ODM is the largest party in the country should be given more and bigger positions than what it has under the broad-based arrangement.

“The 2027 election is approaching, and as a party, we are planning. We cannot just sit and relax. If Ruto wants ODM’s support, he should tell us what he has for us,” said Junet.

He added: “We have been given some positions in the government, but we want more. We cannot just go and sit in the broad-based government and say we are comfortable. Our party is big, and we have many votes. If Ruto gives more rewards to our people across the country at the table in a structured way, then it will be easy for him to get a second term with our full support.”

Junet told off some Kenya Kwanza politicians for telling ODM not to make demands on Ruto.

“We have some people telling us not to come with terms and conditions for any formation with Ruto. ODM is not a party to bulldoze. As a party we must have terms and conditions,” said Junet.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said they are supporting the current administration, but the 10-point agenda must be implemented even as “we push for a new political formation”.

Osotsi said the Luhya community will not be pushed out of ODM, stating that the region has invested a lot in the party.

“We have invested a lot in this party, and we are stakeholders. As we head to the 2027 polls, we must be consulted in every step that the party takes,” said Osotsi.

Last Friday, Kisumu Woman Rep Ruth Odinga also said that the two Cabinet slots that the Nyanza region was awarded are not enough.