Interior PS Raymond Omollo has questioned calls by some ODM leaders for a written agreement with President William Ruto.
Omollo dismissed the push, noting the political partnership between Ruto and Raila Odinga was founded on a shared understanding of their respective interests.
He said it was time for the Luo community to reciprocate the goodwill shown in 2007, when the Kalenjin community supported Raila’s presidential bid as a bloc without demanding a written agreement.
“When Raila wanted to be President, all other communities he talked to insisted on a written document in exchange for their support. When he [Raila] met the Kalenjins, they declined to sign any written document, telling him they would vote for him as a brother,” Omollo said.
Speaking in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay county, on Saturday, the PS said it would be very unfortunate for the Luo community to demand a written agreement.
He argued the relationship should be approached through mutual trust and support rather than making a signed pact the defining measure of political cooperation.
“It will be very unfortunate if Luos now want a written agreement with Ruto,” he said.
The remarks came as ODM leaders debate the terms of their engagement with Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections, with calls for a formal agreement aimed at securing clear commitments for the party and its supporters.
Senior ODM leaders, including National Assembly Minority leader Junet Mohamed, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and secretary general Catherine Omanyo, have said the broad-based arrangement must guarantee a 50 per cent share of government positions and power.
Addressing party delegates meeting in Turkana, Wanga said the broad-based government arrangement for 2027 would involve an equal share between Ruto’s UDA and ODM.
“It will be a 50-50 arrangement between UDA and ODM. If they field a presidential candidate, we shall have the running mate. If they take 10 slots in the Cabinet, we shall demand the same number,” Wanga said in Turkana.
The Deputy President’s position is currently held by Kithure Kindiki, who has maintained that he is well placed to retain the role as Ruto’s running mate in the next election.
The position is also attracting interest from political allies seeking to negotiate favourable terms in a possible pre-election coalition with the ruling UDA.
Among the notable figures from Mt Kenya said to be interested in the seat are Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Ndia MP George Kariuki.
In what points to the tough challenge awaiting those angling for the position, Ruto has repeatedly praised his deputy, saying Kindiki has proved to be a worthy assistant.
Pundits also argue that Ruto faces a dilemma because dropping Kindiki could ignite competition within the Kenya Kwanza-ODM arrangement and trigger further erosion of support in Mt Kenya.
As such, a number of commentators suggest that Ruto would be better off retaining Kindiki.
Political analyst Martin Andati said, “He is in a very difficult situation. If he drops Kindiki, then he completely loses the mountain. If he picks Weta, then Musalia and Oparanya rebel."
"If he picks Musalia Mudavadi, then Wycliffe Oparanya and Moses Wetang'ula rebel; likewise for Oparanya. Hassan Joho and Wanga do not have adequate numbers for them to be picked as running mates.”
Kindiki is seen as a safe pair of hands for the coalition’s choice of running mate, a move that could help him consolidate the Mt Kenya East voting bloc.
UDA secretary general Hassan Omar has affirmed that Kindiki remains the party’s designated running mate for the 2027 general election.
Kindiki has also dismissed competition for the position, arguing his performance in office supports his continued stay as Deputy President, although political alignments could evolve as the election approaches.
ODM’s demand introduces another consideration into the negotiations surrounding Ruto’s re-election bid, with the party seeking a formal agreement that would secure it a senior position in the next administration.
The parties had earlier announced plans to establish a committee to put together a pre-election pact following their coming together in 2024 under the broad-based government arrangement.
Among the strategies the teams have been pursuing is securing key positions for ODM in a way that averts a fallout within the existing Kenya Kwanza arrangements.
