ODM Demands Deputy President Role in Explosive Power-Sharing Deal

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) held a significant rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi on October 31, 2026, an event ostensibly billed to honour the late party leader, Raila Odinga, on the first anniversary of his death. Odinga passed away on October 15, 2025. This gathering served as a clear attempt by the ODM party to demonstrate its continued political might and relevance within Nairobi city politics.

A central theme of the rally revolved around the ODM's conditions for potentially supporting President William Ruto’s re-election bid. Party leaders emphasized the need for respect from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and a strong assertion for a possible claim to the Deputy President’s post. Abdulswamad Nassir, an ODM deputy party leader, explicitly stated that UDA must acknowledge ODM’s political strength and consider its leaders for senior positions during any future coalition agreement negotiations. During his address, Nassir directly posed the question to the crowd regarding the qualification of ODM leaders for the Deputy President role, prompting resounding chants for Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, signaling the supporters' preference for him to deputize Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

This bold demand for the Deputy President position is anticipated to complicate negotiations between the two parties, particularly given that current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and other leaders from the Mt Kenya region are expected to strongly advocate for retaining the position. Beyond national politics, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, also an ODM deputy party leader, outlined the party's ambitious plans for the 2027 General Election in Nairobi. Arati declared that ODM would seek to field its own candidate for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat and the Nairobi Woman Representative seat, affirming the party’s commitment to