ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has said he is not targeting the Deputy President’s seat currently held by Kithure Kindiki, stating that his remarks about coalition negotiations should not be interpreted as a personal attack.
He described Kindiki as a political ally and friend, even as talks between ODM and President William Ruto’s UDA party continue to gain momentum.
Speaking during a NYOTA funds disbursement event in Kisumu on Monday, Oginga said ongoing negotiations are meant to secure fair political space and benefits for ODM supporters, not to remove anyone from office.
He told the Deputy President not to view the talks as a threat to his position.
“As we move forward, we are not going to look for less. However, Mr Deputy President, do not think that we want your seat or that we want to kick you out.
Please, you are our friend, but as we negotiate, we are going to negotiate what our people deserve,” Oginga said.
His latest remarks appear to soften an earlier position where he listed the deputy president role as one of the minimum positions ODM should secure in any coalition arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In that earlier interview, he argued that the party should not accept a slot lower than number two in government if it enters a formal political formation.
Those earlier comments triggered debate about Kindiki’s political future and whether coalition bargaining could affect his standing as Deputy President.
Kindiki assumed the role after his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, was removed through impeachment, and he is widely expected to support President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
ODM leaders have continued to signal that any pre-election coalition deal must reflect the party’s national influence.
Some senior officials, including party chairperson Gladys Wanga, have publicly called for a 50–50 power-sharing structure if ODM and UDA formalise a coalition.
That position suggests a push for equal distribution of top government positions and decision-making authority.
Other ODM figures have also warned that the party will not accept a weak arrangement that sidelines its support base.
The coalition discussions grow out of the current broad-based cooperation framework between ODM and UDA, built around a 10-point agenda endorsed by Raila Odinga in March 2025.
Kindiki has previously outlined his own long-term political plans, saying he will back Ruto in the next election cycle and may consider a presidential run in 2032.
