Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has declared that he is qualified to serve as Kenya’s deputy president, saying the position should be among those open for negotiation under the broad-based political arrangement.
Speaking during President William Ruto’s engagement with village elders at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, August 4, Oburu argued that there was no reason he could not occupy the country’s second-highest office, maintaining that he had the experience and qualifications for the role.
“Particularly the number two position. Don’t you think I deserve to be number two? Can’t I be number two? I am more than qualified,” Oburu noted.
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga. Photo: Courtesy.
The senator made the remarks after reaffirming that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) would not field its own presidential candidate in the next General Election and would instead support Ruto’s re-election bid.
He added that while the presidency had already been settled, all other positions within the broad-based arrangement remained open for negotiations.
Oburu’s latest comments come just days after he defended ODM’s zoning strategy, maintaining that the party should protect its traditional political strongholds from rivals.
Speaking on Sunday, August 2, he argued that counties where ODM has consistently elected governors, Members of Parliament and Members of County Assembly should remain under the party’s control, opposing efforts by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to expand its influence into Homa Bay County.
According to the senator, regions where ODM enjoys strong electoral support automatically qualify as the party’s political zones and should remain firmly within its sphere of influence.
