Why ODM is eyeing deputy president slot in Ruto's government

The ODM party is eyeing a bigger stake in President William Ruto's administration ahead of the 2027 General Elections, as party leader Oburu Oginga hinted at the possibility of extending their political arrangement with the president beyond 2027.

This comes amid claims the party could be eyeing the deputy president's slot to guarantee Ruto's support in the next General Elections.

Oburu said the Luo community will not join any political alliances blindly, recalling that the community has been betrayed politically despite being faithful to allies.

Oburu was speaking in Ugunja constituency, Siaya county, at the home of Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, who was hosting Luo council of elders led by chairperson Ker Odungi Randa and other elders from Siaya.

He narrated several counts where the community was betrayed by political allies, mentioning successive regimes, including the Grand coalition government, where the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga served as a cabinet secretary.

"We have always been faithful and trusted our political allies, but we have always been betrayed. We are now wise. As a community, when we agree to support someone, we are steadfast," he said.

Senator Oburu added, " We are in government, but one that we were invited to. In 2027, we want to be in a government that we have formed and supported."

President William Ruto chats with Oburu Onginga during ODM's 20th anniversary Celebration in Mombasa County. [PCS]

He, however, noted that the party is determined to have a bigger stake in the next government they will help form, and they must be told what is available for them.

On Friday, Senator Oburu maintained that the ODM party and the Luo community will negotiate and will not go into any political alliances blindly.

"We will not just be like a girl who gets into a relationship with a man even before he asks her on a date. We will not be this girl who will be satisfied with a little candy, then jump into a relationship," he noted.

He said that the president must make it clear to them what he has for the party ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Oburu also cautioned the community and leaders from fighting their leaders who are working in President Ruto's government.

"The government has given us two big positions, and we thank the President for this. But as a community, we must remain United because our strength will lie in our numbers. We must also allow our political leaders to work and support them equally," he said.

CS Wandayi urged leaders from Nyanza not to focus on their personal interests but on those of the community.

President William Ruto at ODM's 20th anniversary Celebration in Mombasa County.

Wandayi argued that a United community has a chance to grow, while a community that is United will never make steps.

"There is nothing as big as Luo unity. Raila always told us not to allow us to be divided. Let us focus on our community, but not on personal interests as leaders," he noted.

He noted that the government has done a lot for the community since the deal between Raila and Ruto, and it was just because they sat on the negotiation table.

MPs Moses Omondi(Ugunja), Elisha Odhiambo(Gem), Onyango Koyoo(Muhoroni), Caroli Omondi(Suba South), Oluoch Anthony (Mathare), Aduma Owuor(Nyakach), area MCAs, and several stakeholders also attended the meeting.