NAIROBI, Kenya- Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has launched one of his strongest public attacks yet on Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, urging President William Ruto to replace him ahead of the 2027 General Election and arguing that the Deputy President adds little political value to the ruling coalition.
In a post on X, published days after the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, the lawyer described Kindiki as “a liability” and said President Ruto should reconsider retaining him on the presidential ticket.
“He adds nothing useful to any ticket. He is a dwarf in multiple senses. He is lightweight in more than one way. He is a liability personified. He is well past his sell-by date. He is dead stock. He is dead as a dodo,” the lawyer wrote.
The lawyer further claimed that Kindiki no longer enjoys political support in the Mt Kenya region and accused him of surviving politically because of President Ruto’s backing.
“He is a political freeloader taking a complimentary ride at the back of his boss. President Ruto MUST LET HIM GO!” he said.
Fresh Debate Over Ruto’s 2027 Ticket
His remarks come amid growing debate within Kenya Kwanza over President Ruto’s running mate ahead of the 2027 elections.
The discussion intensified following UDA’s heavy defeat in the Ol Kalou by-election, where the party’s candidate secured only a small share of the vote against the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate.
Since then, several leaders have publicly suggested that President Ruto should rethink his political strategy in Mt Kenya and beyond.
Leaders from Western Kenya have recently called for National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to be considered as Ruto’s running mate, arguing that the region could offer stronger electoral support in 2027.
The lawyer has similarly argued that the President should look beyond Mt Kenya and consider selecting a running mate from either Western Kenya or Nyanza to broaden his electoral coalition.
Kindiki Replaced Gachagua
Kindiki became Deputy President in late 2024 after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached by Parliament and removed from office.
President Ruto subsequently nominated the then Interior Cabinet Secretary to fill the vacancy, and Parliament approved the appointment before he was sworn into office.
Unlike Gachagua, who was elected jointly with President Ruto in the 2022 General Election, Kindiki assumed office through the constitutional succession process following the impeachment.
His position has remained the subject of political debate, particularly within the Mt Kenya region, where Gachagua continues to command significant support.