The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has intensified its push for the Deputy President position in the broad-based government, declaring the post a non-negotiable condition for supporting President William Ruto's 2027 re-election bid.

The party says it is reviewing its political arrangement with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and insists that if Ruto contests the presidency on a UDA ticket, ODM should provide his running mate. Kisii Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati argued that the deputy presidency rightfully belongs to ODM under any future coalition agreement.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed echoed the position, saying the running mate slot has become the party's key condition for maintaining its partnership with UDA.

However, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has indicated he will not relinquish the position without a contest, maintaining that he remains firmly in the race to retain his place on President Ruto's ticket.

ODM has floated several potential candidates for the position, including Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, while emphasizing that securing the position takes precedence over selecting a nominee.

The party is also demanding a 50-50 power-sharing arrangement with UDA, seeking at least 11 of the 22 Cabinet Secretary positions, key parliamentary leadership roles, and half of Kenya's top diplomatic appointments.

Party leaders say formal negotiations are yet to begin, but a retreat scheduled for next week is expected to establish the negotiation framework and appoint a team to lead discussions on the proposed coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.