Senior ODM leaders have publicly endorsed Wycliffe Oparanya as their preferred candidate for the deputy president position on a joint 2027 election ticket with President William Ruto.

The announcement was made during a broad-based political rally held in Malava, Kakamega County, where party leaders described the arrangement as the party's preferred direction ahead of the next General Election.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed told supporters that ODM intends to back Ruto for the presidency while the party provides the deputy president candidate, naming Oparanya as the preferred choice.Khwisero MP Aseka Miradi echoed the same position, saying ODM leaders had agreed that Oparanya is the most suitable person for the role.

According to the leaders, Oparanya's long political experience, close working relationship with Raila Odinga, and strong influence across Western Kenya make him well placed to help consolidate support for a joint political alliance.They argued that his regional popularity could strengthen Ruto's chances of securing more votes in Western Kenya during the 2027 elections.

The public endorsement also comes at a time when ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has been increasing his political activities in the Western region, a development that some party figures appear keen to respond to by openly backing their preferred deputy president candidate.

While the declarations reflect the views expressed by senior ODM leaders at the rally, they do not amount to an official nomination process, and Kenya's political landscape could still change considerably before the 2027 General Election.