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Kindiki shrugs off ODM’s bid for DP seat as Mt Kenya leaders close ranks ahead of 2027
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during an inspection tour of the Ichagaki–Gikomora–Ngaburi Road in Maragua, Murang’a County Saturday, February 14.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his allies have firmly rejected fresh political demands by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), dismissing calls for the party to secure the Number Two slot as premature and misplaced.
During a stopover in Murang’a County, Prof Kindiki struck a defiant tone, pushing back against ODM leaders who have openly declared interest in the Deputy President’s position as part of ongoing political negotiations with President William Ruto.
“We are the masters of politics in this country. We do not talk much, but we know when to speak,” Prof Kindiki said. “A good leader knows when to talk, when to work and the best possible time for every activity. There is a time for politics and a time for work. What helps a leader is what he has done for the people, not the amount of noise they are making.”
His remarks were widely interpreted as a direct response to comments by ODM politicians, including party leader Oburu Oginga, who have said the outfit is not merely seeking dialogue with the government but is targeting the Deputy President’s seat itself. This was an about-turn after initial statements that ODM was not interested in the Number 2 seat.
Dr Oginga made the declaration in Mombasa, where he told supporters that ODM was going for the Deputy President’s position in the ongoing political engagements with the ruling United Democratic Alliance. The remarks marked the clearest articulation yet of ODM’s ambitions within President Ruto’s broad-based government arrangement.
Yesterday, Nominated MP Sabina Chege echoed Prof Kindiki’s sentiments, issuing a pointed warning to those angling for the position.
“We want to tell those who are salivating for this seat to slow down,” Ms Chege said. “Professor Kindiki is a performer.”
The political standoff has since drawn in leaders from the Mt Kenya region, who have moved swiftly to reaffirm their support for both President Ruto and his deputy, declaring they will not relinquish the Deputy President’s position ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati and ODM party leader Dr Oburu Oginga at Sameta grounds in Kisii County during the 'Linda Ground' function on January 25, 2026.
Speaking during the burial of Ms Priscilla Cianjoka in Karingani Ward, Chuka/Igambang’ombe Constituency, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki said the region remained firmly embedded in Ruto’s government and would not countenance political manoeuvring around Prof Kindiki’s office.
“We are in President Ruto’s government and we are there to stay. We have Prof Kindiki as Deputy President and we are comfortable,” Mr Njuki said.
Mr Njuki, who also serves as vice chair of the Council of Governors and is Prof Kindiki’s home-county governor, argued that the deputy president was a net electoral asset to President Ruto, capable of mobilising more votes than any running mate proposed by ODM.
He further claimed that ODM had splintered following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, making it increasingly unlikely to act as a cohesive voting bloc heading into 2027.
Accompanied by Tharaka Nithi County Assembly Speaker John Mbabu, the governor warned that Mt Kenya’s political support for the government was closely tied to Prof Kindiki’s continued stay in office, adding that any attempt to replace him could trigger a reassessment of the region’s political alignment.
Dismissing ODM’s reported interest in the Deputy President’s seat as provocative, Mr Njuki went a step further, suggesting that if the government was genuinely broad-based, ODM could even “adopt” Prof Kindiki while he remains Deputy President.
“We are ready to hand over Prof Kindiki to ODM provided that he remains Deputy President in 2027,” he said.
The governor rejected claims that Prof Kindiki lacks political backing, insisting that Mt Kenya and other regions remain firmly behind him. He added that President Ruto has repeatedly expressed confidence in his deputy’s performance, describing him as the most suitable person for the role at this stage.
Mr Njuki’s remarks came days after Dr Oginga appeared to soften his stance. Speaking in Kisumu on February 2, he said ODM was more interested in dialogue with the government than in unseating Prof Kindiki. However, at a subsequent party meeting in Mombasa, he said he had been misquoted and clarified that the Deputy President’s position remained an option for the party.
Additional reporting by David Muchui
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