A section of politicians from the Meru region, allied with Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki, has issued an ultimatum to President William Ruto over the recent demands from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party.
ODM Leader Oburu Odinga stated in an interview with KTN that the party would not settle for anything less than a deputy president position in the event of a coalition deal with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.
Led by Tigania West MP John Mutunga, the section of Meru MPs thanked President Ruto for offering the Meru community a top government position through the appointment of Kithure Kindiki as the deputy president, but insisted that the position must remain within Mount Kenya East.
“We, the Meru people, have not had that position for a long time. Those who are now demanding it are saying, ‘Oh, we want this position.’ That seat belongs to us, to Mount Kenya East. Let it be known, this seat is ours,” said Mutunga.
Meru Leaders Insist Ruto Should Retain Kindiki as DP
The MP further urged local leaders to mobilize residents to register as voters, stating that the Meru region must strengthen its numbers to have greater influence in the selection of the next Deputy President.
“I want to urge all area managers and local leaders who regularly engage with residents to encourage voter registration. Tell them the real power lies in the ballot. Let us register in large numbers so that we have enough votes to compete with other regions,” said Mutunga.
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On his part, Buuri MP, Mugambi Rindikiri, stated that Prof. Kithure Kindiki should be Deputy President in 2027. He warned that the community will make political changes if this promise is not kept.
“In 2027, the person who should be Deputy President is Prof. Kindiki. And if that doesn’t happen, we will make our own plans. Those who are now setting their conditions should first tell us how they contributed to forming this government. This time round, it’s Prof. Kindiki or Prof. Kindiki. I say this as the chairperson of the Meru MPs,” said Rindikiri.
The legislators’ remarks come amid reports that President Ruto is considering fronting an ODM candidate as his running mate in the upcoming 2027 General Election.
Oburu Wants ODM Candidate to Be Ruto’s Running Mate
In the interview on Sunday, Oburu, who took over as acting party leader following the death of his brother, the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, made it clear that ODM would not settle for anything less.
“If we have to go for a lower position, it must not be lower than number two (the Deputy President),” said Oburu.
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Other ODM leaders, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, have also urged President William Ruto to rejoin the ODM Party, suggesting that he could serve as the party’s flagbearer in the 2027 General Election.
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