ODM Demands ‘50-50’ Power Deal With Ruto Party as Wanga Floats Joho for Deputy President Role
NAIROBI, Kenya — Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has declared that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will only enter into a political pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) on a strict 50-50 power-sharing basis, intensifying early manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at an ODM Youth Convention in Kilifi County on Sunday, April 26, Wanga — who chairs the party — signalled that ODM could back Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho as its preferred candidate for Deputy President in a potential coalition arrangement.
Her remarks come amid growing speculation over a possible political détente between the two rival camps, following the formation of a joint UDA–ODM coordination framework last week.
“We have entered into talks with our colleagues, and I want to declare here that we are the biggest party in the region,” Wanga told delegates. “When we enter into talks, we will enter as equal partners.”
She added: “When seats are put on the table, it will be 50-50. If they produce a president, we will produce a deputy president. And once we achieve that, we will meet as ODM because Joho has what it takes.”
Joho’s name has increasingly surfaced in political circles as a possible running mate to President Ruto in 2027, though internal competition within ODM remains, with Wanga herself previously linked to the position.
The governor’s comments follow the establishment of a Broad-Based Management Committee between UDA and ODM, unveiled after high-level talks at State House, Nairobi, on April 23.
The committee — comprising Cabinet Secretaries and senior parliamentary figures from both parties — has been tasked with aligning legislative priorities, easing political tensions, and coordinating governance under a new cooperation framework.
Insiders indicate that one of the key issues under discussion is electoral zoning, where both parties may agree not to field candidates against each other in select regions to minimise vote-splitting ahead of the next polls.
However, Wanga used the Kilifi platform to draw clear political lines, warning that ODM would not compromise its principles in pursuit of alliances.
In a sharp rebuke, she criticised opposition figures — including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua — accusing them of exploiting the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“I want to tell Gachagua, Baba never had any association with you when he was alive. Leave Baba alone now that he is gone,” she said. “Do not mention Baba and don’t disrespect him.”
She also dismissed recent opposition tours in the Coast region as ineffective, insisting that ODM remains firmly dominant in the area.
Wanga further warned against partnerships with leaders she accused of promoting land grabbing and tribal politics, declaring that such individuals would find no space in Coast politics under ODM’s watch.
The developments mark a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape, as former rivals explore cooperation while quietly positioning themselves for the 2027 succession battle.
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