A group of politicians from Meru, allied with Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki, has issued a warning to President William Ruto following recent demands from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party.
ODM Leader Oburu Odinga, in an interview with KTN, stated that the party would not accept anything less than the deputy president position in any coalition deal with President Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.
Led by Tigania West MP John Mutunga, the Meru MPs expressed gratitude to President Ruto for offering the Meru community a top government position through DP Kindiki’s appointment.
However, they insisted that the deputy president seat must remain within Mount Kenya East.
“We, the Meru people, have not held this position for a long time. Those now demanding it say, ‘We want this position,’ but that seat belongs to us, to Mount Kenya East. Let it be known, this seat is ours,” Mutunga stated.
The MP also called on local leaders to encourage voter registration, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the Meru region’s numbers to influence the selection of the next deputy president.
“I urge all area managers and local leaders who engage with residents to push voter registration. The real power lies in the ballot. Let us register in large numbers so we can compete effectively with other regions,” Mutunga added.
These remarks come amid reports that President Ruto is considering choosing an ODM candidate as his running mate for the 2027 general election.
Oburu, who assumed the role of acting ODM leader following the death of his brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, reiterated that the party would not accept anything below the deputy president position.
“If we are to take a position, it must not be lower than number two (the Deputy President),” Oburu emphasized.
Other ODM leaders, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, have also urged President Ruto to rejoin ODM, suggesting he could potentially be the party’s flagbearer in the 2027 elections.
