Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo/ FILEThe scramble for President William Ruto's running mate for the 2027 General Election has escalated, with Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo now urging him to select a deputy from the Luo community.
In an interview with the Star, Odhiambo argued that the Luo community has a wealth of experience and qualified leaders capable of serving as Deputy President.
He said such a move would also strengthen Ruto's chances of re-election by consolidating support from a region that has traditionally voted as a bloc.
"There are so many reasons why a Luo should be the best pick for the President as his running mate in the 2027 General Election," Odhiambo said.
The second-term MP maintained that the Luo community is among the few in the country with a consistent voting pattern.
"The Mt Kenya community, our colleagues from Rift Valley and the Luo community are the only communities that vote as a bloc. If the President picks his running mate from the Luo community, he will be assured of a solid voting bloc," he said.
Odhiambo also cited the community's pool of experienced leaders, saying it has produced seasoned public servants with the credentials to serve at the highest level of government.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Treasury CS John Mbadi, ODM leader Oburu Oginga and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga are among the seniormost government officials and political leaders from the community.
Others are Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o and Interior PS Raymond Omollo.
Odhiambo further linked his proposal to the political cooperation between Ruto and the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.
"The MoU that birthed the broad-based government was between Raila and the President. Raila came from the Luo community. It, therefore, follows that a Luo should be the Deputy President in 2027," he said.
His remarks come amid growing political debate over the future of the Deputy President's position, currently held by Kithure Kindiki.
Although Kindiki has repeatedly expressed confidence that he will remain Ruto's running mate, leaders allied to ODM have openly pushed for the position as part of the power-sharing arrangement under the broad-based government.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed recently endorsed Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya for the role, describing him as one of ODM's most loyal and experienced leaders.
"Na yule mtu ambaye amekomaa, amekuwa na Baba miaka na miaka, ambaye amekuwa waziri, ambaye amekuwa deputy party leader wetu, ni nani? Anaitwa Wycliffe Oparanya!" Junet told supporters at a public gathering.
His endorsement fuelled speculation over ODM's expectations in the evolving political partnership between the party and Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration.
At the Coast, leaders have also mounted a campaign for Mining CS Hassan Joho to be considered for the deputy presidency in the 2027 elections.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said in March that while Kindiki should not be worried about his current position, the Coast expected the seat to go to Joho after the elections.
"When it comes to the Deputy President position, we are not after it now but in 2027. Kindiki should not get worried because that position is his for now, but in 2027, Joho will take it in the broad-based arrangement," he said.
The lobbying from ODM and Coast leaders has been met with resistance from Kindiki and his allies, who insist there is no vacancy in the position.
Speaking last week, the Deputy President dismissed speculation over his political future.
"I want to state clearly that I will be President William Ruto's running mate in next year's General Election. Those who are salivating for that position should forget it because the Ruto-Kindiki ticket will be on the ballot, and we shall win," Kindiki said.
The growing contest over the deputy presidency underscores the delicate political balancing act facing Ruto as parties and regional leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The renewed lobbying over President William Ruto's 2027 running mate highlights the intense political bargaining already underway ahead of the elections. Leaders from ODM, the Coast and now the Luo community are using the broad-based government arrangement to press for greater representation at the highest level of power. While Deputy President Kithure Kindiki insists his position is secure, the public campaigns underscore growing competition within the ruling coalition and the strategic importance of regional voting blocs in shaping Ruto's re-election strategy.
