Deputy President Kithure Kindiki issued a subtle response to the Orange Democratic Movement after party leader Oburu Odinga declared interest in his position. Speaking during an impromptu inspection of the Maragwa-Ichagaki-Gamburi road, Kindiki dismissed the ambitions and said he remained unshaken. He described himself as a 'master of politics' and indicated he would address the matter at the appropriate time.
Tensions between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and a faction of the Orange Democratic Movement allied to the government became public following ODM's delegates' meeting in Mombasa on February 12. There, Oburu Odinga appeared to reverse his earlier statements on the deputy president position. Although he had previously indicated no issue with Kindiki, Oburu clarified that his party would no longer function as an opposition outfit. "That deputy president seat is what we are targeting very strongly," Oburu said.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga reinforced the party's stance during one of their Linda Ground tours, urging members to end its reputation and remain in opposition. Kindiki's allies reacted strongly to ODM's position. "We hold the number two position. Do you want it taken away? Has ODM not just arrived?" Maragua MP Mary Wathera remarked.
According to these leaders, the presidency and deputy presidency positions are not subject to bargaining with any party in the broad-based government. Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki called ODM's ambitions a dream, noting the party's lack of sufficient numbers, particularly after the emergence of a breakaway faction led by figures like Edwin Sifuna. "As much as we are in a broad-based government, the seat of the Deputy President is non-negotiable," Njuki stated.
On February 14, during the road inspection, Kindiki addressed the matter indirectly, saying, "Do not be unsettled by small things you hear here and there. We are masters of politics and we do not speak carelessly, we speak at the right time." This came after Oburu's declarations on February 12.
