A fresh storm is brewing inside ODM after Nairobi MCA Robert Alai openly challenged ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga over his remarks that President William Ruto must offer the party the Deputy President position if he expects their support in the 2027 race.
In a viral video shared from an NTV interview last night, Oburu is heard insisting that ODM will only back Ruto’s re-election bid if he gives the party the second-most powerful seat in government. His remarks have sparked heated reactions online, with Alai accusing him of being politically shortsighted and fixated on positions rather than leadership.
Alai fired back saying that demanding the Deputy Presidency without negotiating for Cabinet and Principal Secretary slots is a poor political strategy. He argued that such a move would only weaken ODM’s leverage within government and reduce it to a decorative role.
The MCA further questioned the logic of trading loyalty for one high-profile seat, warning that Ruto could easily sideline the party even after offering them the DP position.
His comments have gained traction among ODM supporters, especially the younger generation who feel the party needs to rebrand and rethink its bargaining approach under the current political climate.
Political analysts believe Oburu’s remarks were a direct attempt to position ODM at the center of 2027 succession talks, but critics say the tone of entitlement may hurt the party’s reputation and bargaining power.
The unfolding drama reflects deeper divisions within ODM over how to engage President Ruto’s administration following the death of former ODM boss and Ruto ally Raila Odinga. With succession politics already heating up, ODM appears torn between negotiation and reinvention.
As Kenyans debate online, one thing is clear — the battle for relevance ahead of 2027 is no longer about age or legacy, but who can outthink the other in strategy and survival.
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Politics