ODM sustains push for deputy president position in deal with Ruto

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has reiterated that its political pact with President William Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) will not come without conditions, with the Deputy President's seat emerging as one of its key demands.

The position was reinforced during a rally at Jacaranda Grounds, where party leaders insisted that any political agreement must guarantee ODM a share of power.

ODM supporters turned up for the rally as party leaders reiterated their demand for a share of government, with the Deputy President's seat emerging as a key bargaining point.

“Kuna watu ambao wanasema Rais Ruto asipewe conditions, yeye na bibi yake na watoto wasifanye mapatano lakini sisi kama chama hiyo ni lazima,” said ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho on his part said, “Masharti lazima yatabaki. Sisi kama ODM lazima tuongee nao kwa sababu chama lazima ikuwe na masharti.”

National Assembly Minority Leader, Junet Mohamed, added, “Hakuna cha bure. Lazima vyama wakae chini waongee wakubaliane.”

Beyond the power-sharing demands, ODM leaders also hit back at the Linda Mwananchi faction, dismissing claims that the party had lost its political relevance.

“Kuna wale wanasema ati walitoka ODM ikaisha, kwani hawa wako hapa ni akina nani?” ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga posed.

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said, “Kuna watu walikuja hapa wakasema ati chama ya Baba imekufa... wapi?”

“Ati wanasema ati ODM imefungwa madirisha na milango. Wale tumeacha nje ni masangwenya, wale walienda,” Arati added.

In a notable political declaration, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja signalled his intention to seek re-election on an ODM ticket, asking supporters whether they wanted him to join the party.

“Mnasemaje niingie kwa ODM?” Sakaja asked as the crowd erupted in agreement.

However, the rally ended in disarray after supporters of Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri and those of Governor Sakaja clashed, exposing divisions among supporters within the broad-based political arrangement.