In a statement shared on his official X account on Saturday, February 14, 2026, Alai termed the push for the country’s second-highest office a significant political misstep.
He argued that ODM risks diverting attention from more strategic goals as the country gradually shifts focus to the 2027 General Election.
According to Alai, Kenya’s political structure has historically limited the influence of deputy positions. He claimed that while the office of the Deputy President appears powerful on paper, it often lacks independent authority and remains heavily dependent on the President’s goodwill.
According to Alai, Kenya’s political structure has historically limited the influence of deputy positions. He claimed that while the office of the Deputy President appears powerful on paper, it often lacks independent authority and remains heavily dependent on the President’s goodwill.
As a result, he warned that ODM could secure the seat yet fail to gain meaningful control over government policy or national direction.
Alai further insisted that ODM should prioritize long-term political strength rather than symbolic victories.
In his view, chasing a seat that may not translate into real decision-making power could weaken the party’s bargaining position and undermine its identity as a formidable national movement.
His remarks come amid growing calls from several ODM leaders advocating for the Deputy President slot as part of a possible power-sharing arrangement with UDA. The proposal gained momentum during the party’s recent Linda Ground tour across the Coast region, where leaders rallied supporters behind the idea of joining government through a structured agreement.
Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed has been among those backing the proposal. She argued that women voters will play a decisive role in shaping the 2027 election outcome and maintained that, should ODM secure the position, it ought to be allocated to a woman to reflect the growing political influence of female constituents.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also questioned why ODM should continue operating from outside government while other political actors consolidate power within state structures.
Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed has been among those backing the proposal. She argued that women voters will play a decisive role in shaping the 2027 election outcome and maintained that, should ODM secure the position, it ought to be allocated to a woman to reflect the growing political influence of female constituents.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also questioned why ODM should continue operating from outside government while other political actors consolidate power within state structures.
She challenged the narrative that remaining in opposition is inherently beneficial, suggesting that direct participation in government could strengthen the party’s visibility and development agenda.
Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo confirmed that discussions between ODM and UDA are ongoing.
Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo confirmed that discussions between ODM and UDA are ongoing.
She revealed that veteran politician Oburu Odinga has been tasked with representing ODM in the negotiations, signaling that talks have reached a structured and deliberate phase.
Alai’s intervention has now exposed clear divisions within ODM over the party’s future direction. While some leaders view the Deputy President seat as a gateway to influence and resource access, critics fear it may amount to a politically costly compromise.
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