President William Ruto has adopted a cautious approach as his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) navigates the rough waters of coalition-making ahead of the 2027 General Election.

A fresh demand by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to claim the Deputy President’s seat has intensified the political puzzle, forcing Dr Ruto to juggle the interests of his Mt Kenya East base, woo unsettled Mt Kenya West leaders, and keep other regional blocs intact.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Nation, ODM interim leader Dr Oburu Oginga stated that his party will not settle for anything less than the DP’s position in any coalition arrangement — whether aligned with Dr Ruto’s UDA or the opposition.

“If we have to go for a lower position, it must not be lower than number two (Deputy President) in any formation. That is my take. We should not take less than that,” Dr Oginga declared.

For President Ruto, the timing could not be trickier. Barely a year after his public clash with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua — which culminated in the latter’s impeachment in October last year — signs of friction are now emerging with Mt Kenya East leaders expressing their reservations with any attempts to replace Prof Kindiki.

ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga campaigns for their party candidate in the November 27 Magarini by-election Harrison Kombe, on November 2 2025. Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group

UDA Deputy Secretary-General Omboko Milemba said coalition discussions are fundamentally about negotiation and compromise. He said that ODM is within its rights to assert its preferred position.

“In a coalition, matters are put on the table,” Mr Milemba said.