MOMBASA, Kenya—Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi has rejected growing demands for a 50-50 power-sharing arrangement between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), insisting that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki should retain his position in any political arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Abdillahi warned ODM leaders against what she described as a return to retrogressive political bargaining, accusing proponents of equal power-sharing demands of attempting to hold President William Ruto hostage through coalition negotiations.
Speaking in Likoni, Mombasa County, the Senator questioned the rationale behind ODM’s push for an equal distribution of government positions, arguing that the political partnership between the two formations should not undermine the leadership structure of the current administration.
She recalled that the political forces now advocating for a bigger share of government had previously worked together to remove former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from office, citing concerns over his leadership and alleged promotion of tribal politics.
“We worked together and agreed that Rigathi Gachagua was a tyrant leader. We removed him from government because of the tribalism he represented. Today, our brothers and sisters are coming through the back door to hold the President hostage again,” she said.
The Senator maintained that government appointments should be guided by merit, competence and national interests rather than political pressure or demands arising from coalition negotiations.
“We will not agree to go back to retrogressive politics,” Abdillahi declared.
She also mounted a spirited defence of Kindiki, describing his appointment to the country’s second-highest office as justified by his qualifications and insisting that the position should not become part of negotiations between political parties.
“We are telling you that this government has a very competent Deputy President. The Deputy President of Kenya is fired. Ni fire si fire? Faya!” she told the cheering audience.
Taking an even firmer position, Abdillahi argued that while political parties could negotiate over other government appointments, the offices of President and Deputy President should remain settled.
No negotiations
“We will divide all the positions, but the presidency is settled. And the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, based on merit, is Kithure Abraham Kindiki, whether you like it or not,” she stated.
Her remarks come a day after ODM leaders used their Saturday rally at Nairobi’s Jacaranda Grounds to renew calls for clear terms of engagement with Ruto’s UDA, exposing competing positions within the party over the proposed political partnership.
The gathering, held as part of activities commemorating the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, brought together senior ODM officials and political leaders aligned with the broad-based government.
However, the rally was marked by sharp political exchanges over the party’s negotiating position, with demands for a written agreement, an equitable distribution of government positions and the Deputy President’s office featuring prominently in the discussions.
ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati insisted that the party would not enter into a political arrangement with UDA without clearly defined conditions, arguing that ODM had interests to protect in any future partnership.
Arati dismissed calls for unconditional support for Ruto’s re-election bid, maintaining that the party must negotiate the terms of its participation in government.
Mombasa Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir also reinforced the party’s demand for the Deputy President’s position, declaring that the office should go to ODM in any eventual political agreement with UDA.
His remarks brought the question of Kindiki’s future directly into the political negotiations, given that Ruto and the Deputy President are currently serving together under the UDA-led administration.
ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga, however, sought to clarify the party’s position, insisting that its participation in the broad-based government was deliberate and that negotiations with UDA were being conducted through established party structures.
Addressing the Jacaranda gathering through a recorded message, Oburu maintained that the existing broad-based arrangement should not be confused with a formal coalition government.
“We are in this broad-based government, and we are not there blindly,” he said, adding that the party was pursuing its interests through ongoing negotiations.
He also called for discipline among ODM members, urging them to respect the party’s structures and official positions as discussions over its political future continue.
The competing positions have exposed the difficult questions facing ODM as it seeks to negotiate a possible electoral partnership with Ruto ahead of the 2027 polls, particularly over the distribution of senior government positions and the conditions attached to its political support.
The negotiations have also brought into focus the relationship between the two parties’ ambitions, with ODM seeking recognition of its political strength while UDA leaders continue to defend the existing leadership arrangement.
Abdillahi’s intervention in Likoni therefore adds another dimension to the debate, particularly as leaders allied to the President seek to defend Kindiki’s position against growing demands from sections of ODM.
Her remarks also underscore the political contest surrounding the Deputy President’s office, which is increasingly emerging as a central issue in discussions about the future of the broad-based government and possible cooperation ahead of the next General Election.
