Politicians from the ruling party in the Mt Kenya region have warned the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) against targeting the office of the deputy president, stating that there is no vacancy in the presidency.
The remarks follow recent comments by ODM leader Oburu Oginga, who said the party was keen on securing the deputy president’s position under a coalition agreement in 2027.
Speaking during empowerment forums in Meru on Friday, MPs allied to President William Ruto and his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, declared that the position of deputy president is non-negotiable, vowing to defend it by all means.
Tharaka Nithi County Governor and Council of Governors’ Health Committee Chairman Muthomi Njuki addressing journalists during a presser at the Wilson Airport in Nairobi on August 26, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation
Speaking separately, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki took on ODM leaders, saying the seat is already occupied by a capable leader.
Governor Njuki insisted that the deputy president’s position should be off the table during coalition talks between UDA and ODM.
“There is no tangible reason why Prof Kindiki’s position should be an agenda item in the talks. ODM should focus on fixing its fragmented party. If the demands persist, then the ruling UDA party should donate Kindiki to ODM and have him retained as deputy president,” Governor Njuki said.
Led by Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, Meru legislators said the ODM leader’s remarks were a direct threat to President Ruto’s allies in the Mt Kenya region.
He was accompanied by MPs Moses Kirima (Imenti Central), Johnpaul Mwirigi (Igembe South), John Mutunga (Tigania West), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri) and Dorothy Muthoni (Nominated).
“There is absolutely no discussion about the status of the deputy president’s position in Kenya. We urge our friends in ODM to focus on addressing the confusion in their party. By the time they sort out their mess, we will be strengthening our place in government. We will defend the seat at all costs,” Mr Kiunjuri said.
He added, “ODM should be warned that the office of the deputy president is currently like a legally married woman. You can only attempt to seduce her at your own peril.”
He said Prof Kindiki’s allies are now focusing on increasing President Ruto’s support in the region to forestall ODM’s inroads.
“The biggest political threat to the Mt Kenya region is ourselves if we fail to vote in large numbers to demonstrate that we deserve the deputy president’s position. If President Ruto wins, Prof Kindiki wins. That is what we must work towards defending,” the Laikipia East MP said.
Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri at a past event.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
“The reality is that Prof Kindiki will remain deputy president in 2027 and beyond. That seat is heavily guarded by the votes we gave President Ruto in 2022,” Mr Rindikiri said.
Imenti Central MP Moses Kirima said that while more political parties are welcome to work with the government, they should respect established boundaries.
“It is unheard of for a visitor to kick their host out of their seat. A good visitor makes themselves comfortable in the seat they are offered,” Mr Kirima said.
He questioned why ODM was angling for Prof Kindiki’s position, yet it did not deliver votes for the President.
“Prof Kithure Kindiki is not deputy president by chance. He got there because we overwhelmingly voted for President William Ruto in 2022,” the MP said.
National Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Livestock chairperson and Tigania West MP John Mutunga.
Photo credit: Wachira Mwangi | Nation Media Group
His Tigania West counterpart, John Mutunga, said the ODM leader’s remarks were a wake-up call for the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We must prepare to face ODM by registering as many voters as possible. We must guard the deputy president’s seat with massive votes in 2027. This is a do-or-die contest,” Mr Mutunga said.
Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni said she would rally Meru women to defend the deputy president’s position against ODM leaders.
“Prof Kindiki is not only our son but also a great performer and enforcer of the bottom-up agenda. The Mt Kenya region will vigorously defend its position in this government,” she said.
