Negotiations between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over a possible 2027 power-sharing arrangement have reached a deadlock, with ODM insisting on the Deputy President’s position and half of the Cabinet, demands UDA has rejected outright.
The dispute has also opened a fresh fault line over who would occupy the proposed Deputy President’s slot, as Ruto maintains that Kithure Kindiki will remain his running mate in 2027.
People familiar with the negotiations say ODM is insisting on the Deputy President’s position and an equal share of the Cabinet as the basis for any political arrangement with UDA.
UDA has rejected the demands outright, leaving the talks stalled over both the distribution of executive power and the position that would anchor any joint campaign in 2027.
The impasse places the two parties on opposing tracks where ODM is pressing for a formal share of power, while UDA is resisting a framework that would commit the administration to an equal Cabinet division.
Ruto has vowed to retain Kithure Kindiki as his running mate and Deputy President in 2027. That position is directly at odds with ODM’s insistence that the Deputy President’s slot form part of the negotiations.
The unresolved question is therefore not only how power would be shared, but whether the proposed arrangement would require Ruto to surrender control of the running-mate decision. His commitment to Kindiki leaves that issue outside the terms ODM is seeking.
A fresh obstacle has emerged within ODM circles, where Winnie Odinga is now being proposed as a possible candidate for Ruto’s Deputy President slot. The proposal has not been confirmed as a party decision or an agreed negotiating term.
Winnie joins earlier names associated with the proposal, including ODM leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and Gladys Wanga.
Winnie’s supporters in ODM are preparing to install her as one of the party’s deputy leaders at the National Delegates Convention, expected later in 2026. Party delegates are expected to adopt a common position after considering the outcome of the ongoing ODM-UDA negotiations.
Vihiga Senator Geofrey Osotsi was removed as an ODM deputy leader in March 2026 and Winnie’s supporters expect her to fill the vacant position later this year.
ODM delegates in Nairobi have endorsed Winnie for deputy party leader, citing the need to fill a leadership gap in the capital. The endorsement was backed by representatives from all 17 constituencies in Nairobi County.
Winnie is also expected by her supporters to represent Nairobi on the party’s National Executive Committee, a role previously held by the late Raila Odinga.
