Tension is reportedly brewing within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) after a section of Members of Parliament allied to the party issued a stern warning to President William Ruto over his possible choice of a running mate in the next general election.
According to a report by People Daily, the lawmakers — particularly those from regions associated with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki — have cautioned the President against choosing a running mate from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The MPs warned that such a move would amount to political betrayal and could cost Ruto significant support from the Mt. Kenya region.
Led by Tigania West MP John Mutunga, the leaders insisted that the Deputy President’s position must remain in Mt. Kenya, arguing that the region has not enjoyed the seat for a long time and therefore deserves to retain it in 2027.
Led by Tigania West MP John Mutunga, the leaders insisted that the Deputy President’s position must remain in Mt. Kenya, arguing that the region has not enjoyed the seat for a long time and therefore deserves to retain it in 2027.
“Our people have stood firmly with the President since 2022, and it would be unfair for him to overlook the mountain when choosing his next deputy,” Mutunga stated during a weekend meeting.
Their warning comes amid growing speculation following remarks by Oburu Oginga, the acting ODM party leader, who recently hinted that ODM would demand a top government position — not less than the Deputy President’s slot — if they are to support Ruto’s re-election.
Their warning comes amid growing speculation following remarks by Oburu Oginga, the acting ODM party leader, who recently hinted that ODM would demand a top government position — not less than the Deputy President’s slot — if they are to support Ruto’s re-election.
Oburu’s statement has fueled political chatter about a possible Ruto–Odinga alliance, a scenario that has already stirred unease within the ruling party.
Political observers suggest that Ruto’s recent attempts to build bridges with ODM figures could be part of a broader strategy to expand his political base ahead of 2027.
Political observers suggest that Ruto’s recent attempts to build bridges with ODM figures could be part of a broader strategy to expand his political base ahead of 2027.
However, the idea of bringing in a running mate from the opposition has not been received well in regions that overwhelmingly backed him during the 2022 elections.
“The President should remember the people who stood by him when things were tough,” another lawmaker, who requested anonymity, told People Daily.
“The President should remember the people who stood by him when things were tough,” another lawmaker, who requested anonymity, told People Daily.
“We respect the late Raila Odinga and his legacy, but the Deputy President’s position must remain with Mt. Kenya. Anything less will be seen as a betrayal.”
The MPs further urged President Ruto to maintain party unity and reward loyalty rather than political convenience.
The MPs further urged President Ruto to maintain party unity and reward loyalty rather than political convenience.
They warned that any attempt to replace Kindiki — or any other Mt. Kenya figure — with a candidate from ODM could divide the UDA base and weaken the President’s re-election prospects.
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