The leaders made the remarks during a rally in Malava, Kakamega County, on Sunday. They unanimously endorsed Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya as President William Ruto's preferred running mate in 2027.
ODM Wants Bigger Role in Government
ODM leaders said the party deserves a greater share of government after supporting the broad-based administration. They insisted that UDA should field the presidential candidate while ODM should nominate the deputy president.
Acting ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo led the calls during the meeting. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed echoed the proposal and publicly backed Oparanya for the position.
Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka Miradi also supported the plan. He described Oparanya as the most suitable candidate to deputise President Ruto in the next election.
Leaders Rally Behind Oparanya
The leaders praised Oparanya's political experience and influence in Western Kenya. They said he could strengthen support for Ruto across the region during the 2027 campaigns.
They also cited his long political relationship with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. According to the leaders, Oparanya remains one of ODM's strongest national figures.
Kindiki Maintains His Position
The renewed push comes as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki continues to defend his position. He has repeatedly maintained that he will remain President Ruto's running mate in 2027.
Speaking in Meru on Saturday, Kindiki dismissed suggestions that he could lose the position. He urged leaders from the Mt Kenya region to remain united behind the President.
Kindiki argued that the region had invested heavily in the current administration. He said it would make no political sense to abandon that investment before the next election.
Running Mate Debate Intensifies
The debate has added another layer to early succession politics within the Kenya Kwanza coalition. ODM leaders continue to push for a larger role while UDA leaders defend the current leadership structure.
An Infotrak survey recently ranked Kindiki as the most preferred running mate for President Ruto. The poll placed him ahead of several other potential contenders.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga finished second in the survey. ODM leader Oburu Odinga ranked third.
The poll also showed that more than one-third of respondents remained undecided. The findings suggest the debate over Ruto's running mate remains far from settled.
