Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai has urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to steer clear of pursuing the Deputy President position in any pre-coalition agreement with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), calling it a “strategic trap” that could weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a detailed post on social media, Alai argued that the DP slot, often seen as the second-highest office in the land, carries little real authority and could reduce ODM to a subordinate role.
“Chasing that seat is a strategic suicide that will castrate our party, dilute our bargaining power, and turn us from kingmakers into glorified cheerleaders for someone else’s agenda,” he warned.
Alai broke down the limitations of the position, noting that a Deputy President has no control over the national budget, security organs, or Cabinet appointments.
He highlighted recent examples, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whose influence diminished rapidly despite holding the office, and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who is reportedly struggling to retain relevance.
“Is that what we fought for all these years? To become a deputy to someone else’s vision?” Alai asked.
He further cautioned that accepting the DP position would limit ODM’s negotiating power in critical areas such as Treasury, Interior, Energy, Infrastructure, Health, Education, and Foreign Affairs—portfolios that directly influence national policy and service delivery.
The MCA emphasized that the party should leverage its influence and history in Kenyan politics to demand substantial positions rather than settle for ceremonial titles.
ODM has been a dominant political force, shaping national outcomes in multiple election cycles and playing a central role in the 2018 handshake that brought political stability.
According to Alai, this historical clout should translate into negotiating power in any coalition discussions.
Alai’s message comes amid discussions within some quarters of ODM over the party’s role in the 2027 elections and its potential collaboration with UDA.
He warned that focusing on the DP slot would allow rivals to portray the party as “greedy” while undermining public perception of its independence and influence.
“Comrades, this DP talk is a trap. It is designed to neutralise ODM as a political force ahead of 2027 and beyond. It is meant to divide us, weaken our brand, and make us junior partners in someone else’s project,” he concluded.
The call by Alai reinforces a growing debate within ODM over strategic positioning in upcoming elections, with many party leaders weighing the merits of influence versus symbolic titles in potential coalitions.