“Non-Negotiable!” Mt. Kenya Leaders Reject ODM’s Bid for Deputy President’s Position
The political temperature in Kenya has hit a boiling point this February 2026. In a move that signals a major rift in the “Broad-Based Government” pact, leaders from the Mt. Kenya region have issued a stern, “non-negotiable” warning to President William Ruto: The Deputy President position is not up for trade with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
This declaration comes as ODM, now under the interim leadership of Oburu Oginga, reportedly begins laying claim to the DP slot as a condition for supporting President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
1. The “Non-Negotiable” Ultimatum
Gathering in various caucuses across Nyeri, Meru, and Kiambu, Mt. Kenya power brokers—including allies of current DP Kithure Kindiki and remnants of the Gachagua faction—have unified on one front. They argue that the region’s “shareholding” in the Kenya Kwanza government is anchored solely on the Deputy Presidency.
“We did not support this government to become spectators. The DP seat was our contract with William Ruto. Any attempt to hand it over to ODM will be met with a total political shutdown of the mountain,” stated one senior legislator during a press briefing in Nanyuki.
2. The ODM Factor: Oburu Oginga’s High-Stakes Gamble
Following the passing of the late Raila Odinga in late 2025, ODM has undergone a radical transformation. While the party is currently part of a “working arrangement” with the ruling UDA, internal factions are pushing for a formal pre-election coalition.
The Demand: Sources within ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) suggest that the party feels it “brought the numbers” that saved the Ruto administration during the 2024–2025 unrest.
The Candidate: Names like Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Mining CS Hassan Joho have been floated as potential running mates for Ruto in 2027, directly threatening the current holder, Kithure Kindiki.
3. The Kindiki vs. Gachagua Shadow
The rejection is also a move to stabilize the mountain’s internal politics. After the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua in late 2024, the region became deeply divided.
Kindiki’s Consolidation: Prof. Kithure Kindiki has been working tirelessly to win over the “Gachagua orphans.” Mt. Kenya leaders believe that if Ruto drops Kindiki for an ODM candidate, the region will bolt to Gachagua’s newly formed Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) or back an opposition candidate like Kalonzo Musyoka.
The Assassination Claims: Tensions were further exacerbated last month when Gachagua alleged a failed assassination attempt during a church service in Nyeri, an accusation the government vehemently denied but which nonetheless fired up his base.
