Kindiki sidelined? Cherargei says ODM-UDA 2027 pact leaves door open for DP deal
By Nancy Marende, September 25, 2025Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has hinted that the budding partnership between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) could reshape Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at a local TV station on Thursday, September 25, 2025, Cherargei claimed that discussions within “the kitchen” of the ruling coalition indicate a long-term working relationship between Kenya Kwanza and ODM, one that may extend far beyond 2027.
“Our working partnership will go beyond 2027. Some of us who are in the kitchen know this. You can take it to the bank,” Cherargei stated.
He further revealed that the talks include the possibility of ODM producing the Deputy President in a power-sharing arrangement.
Also watch: Who has told you that ODM will not have a candidate in 2027? – Raila Odinga
“The conversation in the kitchen is whether the Deputy President is going to be from ODM. We are still cooking. ODM and UDA working together means there are a lot of positions to be shared, and these positions will be subject to negotiations,” he added.
Cherargei’s revelation raises doubts over Kithure Kindiki’s role in a post-2027 Ruto government if ODM-UDA pick another deputy president.
TIFA Findings
His remarks come a day after a national TIFA survey revealed that a majority of Kenyans believe Raila Odinga will support President William Ruto in his bid to retain the presidency in the 2027 elections.
According to the data released on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Raila’s political capital remains pivotal in shaping Kenya’s next election, with 32 per cent believing he will support the incumbent.
“For their part, nearly half of those opposed to the BBG believe he will have rejoined the opposition by 2027, whether or not he actually contests the presidency yet again (20 per cent + 26per cent = 46per cent), the survey reads.
“Another issue about which expectations are clearly influenced by attitudes towards the BBG is that of Raila Odinga’s expected political position in 2027, with almost twice as many who support it expecting that he will back Ruto’s re-election as compared with those who oppose it (46 per cent vs. 28 per cent),” the poll reads.
TIFA says, however, that more than one-third of all Kenyans expect him to rejoin the Opposition, whether he contests himself (22 per cent) or supports another candidate against Ruto (17 per cent), making a total of 39 per cent.