“As ODM, we have agreed that President William Ruto is our candidate in the 2027 general election. But we have also said that the deputy president must come from ODM, and the only person qualified for that position is Wycliffe Oparanya,” added Khwisero MP Aseka Miradi.
According to the leaders, Oparanya is best placed to consolidate Western Kenya’s support for Ruto, citing his long-standing alliance with the late Raila Odinga and his influence in the region.
The renewed push comes despite Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s insistence that he will remain Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Meru on Saturday, July 25, Kindiki firmly defended his candidature as Ruto’s running mate, declaring that his position in government is non-negotiable and he will not be sidelined.
According to the Deputy President, there was no way the Mount Kenya region could build a house, complete and furnish it, only to abandon it and go to live in the forest.
He added that he is in government to stay, urging his region to support Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
However, the latest developments pose a fresh political challenge, with ODM demanding an equal share of government and insisting that if UDA fields the presidential candidate in 2027, the DP’s slot should go to the Orange party.
A recent survey by Infotrak placed Kindiki as the preferred running mate for Ruto with 34 per cent, placing him ahead of other contenders.
Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga was ranked second with 11 per cent, while ODM party leader Oburu Odinga came third with 5 per cent.
The survey, however, revealed that over 37 per cent were still unsure who to pick as Ruto’s running mate, raising concerns about whether they would support Kindiki or any other contender on the list.
