NJAU: Ruto headache as Mt Kenya leaders push Kindiki as running mate

President William Ruto is facing mounting pressure from a group of Mt Kenya leaders to retain Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as his running mate in the 2027 general election.

The push comes as the Orange Democratic Movement has signalled its intention to negotiate for top positions in any future arrangement with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance.

Speaking during a party delegates’ meeting in Mombasa on February 12, senior ODM leader Oburu Oginga said the party was “targeting very strongly” the DP’s seat as its “fair share” in government.

The choice is far from a done deal. Choosing Kindiki could lose some Mt Kenya votes, some analysts say. There’s also talk of ODM figures: Oburu, Mining CS Hassan Joho, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, among others.

The remarks have rattled leaders in Kindiki’s Mt Kenya East backyard, triggering a flurry of political activity aimed at protecting his position and prospects.

Influential figures and close regional allies of the DP are said to be holding strategy meetings, urging the President to keep him on the ticket.

They argue that dropping Kindiki would weaken Ruto’s grip on Mt Kenya, a region that played a decisive role in his 2022 victory.

Njuri Ncheke secretary-general Josphat Murangiri, during an interview with the Star, warned that sidelining Kindiki in 2027 would have serious negative political consequences for the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“This would amount to betrayal. The deputy president slot is the highest our region has ever held since independence. Mt Kenya West (Kiambu, Nyeri and Murang’a) has historically benefited from power, and we have supported them through Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta,” he said.

Murangiri insisted the DP’s position is not open for negotiation, saying Ruto made a deliberate decision to appoint Kindiki after former DP Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.

“I want to tell the people from the Nyanza region, look for any other seat and not that of our son, Kindiki. His appointment was a reward to the people of Mau Mau from whom he has roots,” he said.

Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri said Mt Kenya leaders would rally behind a Ruto-Kindiki ticket.

“We will defend Kindiki as well as the seat he holds as Deputy President,” Kiunjuri said. “We will not entertain ODM confusion. We will speak with one voice and support his candidature.”

The MP said that the region will not discuss or debate the DP’s seat, adding that Kindiki has served the people with care and dignity.

“There is absolutely no discussion about the status of the deputy president’s position in 2027. Kindiki has already occupied it and will continue holding it to enhance the free reelection of the Kenya Kwanza administration.”

Kiunjuri urged residents to reject divisive politics, warning that internal wrangles could stall development in the region.

Kikuyu Council of Elders national chairman Wachira Kiago, however, has cautioned leaders against allowing succession debates to overshadow governance.

He pleaded with leaders to focus on service delivery and shun politics that are likely to derail development and divide the people.

“Leaders should focus on service delivery. Positions of power are personal, not communal,” Kiago said. “Kindiki is currently holding the seat of deputy president; the debate over who should deputise whom should not distract from governance.”

Political analyst Albert Kasembeli argued the Mt Kenya region played a decisive role in Ruto’s 2022 victory, but warned that voting patterns can change depending on economic conditions, internal rivalries and shifting alliances.

He said the growing debate around the DP’s slot reflects deeper anxieties within the ruling coalition about succession politics and regional influence.

“The Mt Kenya bloc has historically delivered votes, but political loyalty is fluid. Ruto has to balance regional expectations with national strategy. Even strong backing from elders and MPs may not be enough if public sentiment shifts,” he said.

Speaking during a week ago during a political function in Meru, leaders allied to Kindiki pushed for his retaining his position. saying the President should reward his deputy for supporting him.

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki told ODM leaders the DP position should not be a bargaining chip in coalition talks.

“There is no tangible reason why Prof Kindiki’s position should be an agenda item,” Njuki said. ODM should focus on fixing its fragmented party. If demands persist, UDA should simply ensure Kindiki remains as deputy president.”

UDA legislator Mugambi Rindikiri for Buuri in Meru county said Mt Kenya voters’ support is guaranteed if the President and his deputy work as a team.

“Prof Kindiki will remain deputy president in 2027 and beyond,” he said. “That seat is heavily guarded by the votes we delivered for President Ruto in the 2022.”

Igembe South MP John Mwirigi argued that the position of the DP will not be bargained because it is already occupied.

Central Imenti MP Moses Kirima emphasised that while political alliances are welcome, ODM must respect established regional boundaries.

Sabina Chege also dismissed ODM’s push for the DP position as unrealistic, asserting that Kindiki will remain in office after 2027 and is positioned to eventually succeed Ruto in 2032.

“Kindiki is not going anywhere. He will continue,” Chege said during a road inspection at Maragua-Kigumo last Saturday, February 14.

Despite the speculation, Kindiki on February 14 reassured his supporters to be calm and not worry about Kenya’s political developments.

The DP has often praised President Ruto for according him the chance to help in service delivery.

In his maiden speech at KICC following his inauguration, Kindiki promised loyalty and support to the President.

“I want to commit to you before this congregation and the Almighty God that I will serve under you and provide the assistance you require to take this country to the next level. I commit to be loyal and faithful. I will try my best to work with my colleagues to lighten the burden you carry on your shoulders,” he said.

Also, during his recent visit to Kindiki’s home county of Tharaka Nithi, Ruto praised his deputy, terming him as a development leader.

“If you want to succeed, get a deputy who is more learned than you. You will be praised for his success,” he said.

The President contrasted Kindiki with former DP, now bitter rival Gachagua, saying past leadership challenges had slowed national development.

“I don’t want to say much, but the other one [Gachagua] was not competent. Now I have a highly educated deputy who is equal to the task, who delivers and helps me implement development projects for Kenyans,” the President said.

Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, during a recent interview with TV47, said the position of the DP within Kenya Kwanza administration will be very competitive.

Gakuya said if the position is taken away from Kindiki, there will be a lot of crossovers to the opposition team.

"Ruto will have a tough time balancing the political battle. The only single position those clinging to government care about is that of deputy president. If the DP position is taken away, there could be a total crossover," Gakuya said

Gachagua recently issued a warning to both ODM and UDA, saying the Mt Kenya region could vote as a bloc in 2027 to unseat President Ruto.

“He knows very well that if the mountain votes as a bloc, he stands no chance to win,” Gachagua said.

During a recent press briefing, he warned Ruto allies  against attacking former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

He said that the former president is being targeted by the government side, emphasising that the people from Mt Kenya will not accept that move.

“President Uhuru Kenyatta is a retired president of the Republic of Kenya, a statesman and a nationalist who deserves respect,” Gachagua said. “He cannot be intimidated or threatened because of allowances.”

The sentiments were expressed after public speculations that both Uhuru and Gachagua are plotting to work together in preparation for the 2027 election.

Notably, Uhuru’s Jubilee Party is currently working with the united opposition of which Gachagua is also a member.

Democracy for Citizens Party deputy leader Cleophas Malala, in a recent TV interview, confirmed the two leaders have mended fences  after Gachagua insulted Uhuru and his family during the campaign.

“There is a handshake between Rigathi Gachagua and Uhuru Kenyatta. They are already working together,” Malala said.