EMBU, Kenya- Leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration have sharply criticized Oburu Odinga and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over renewed calls for the Deputy President position ahead of the 2027 General Election, terming the demands unnecessary and disruptive.
The strong remarks were made during a church service at Full Gospel Church in Kanthooki, Evurore Ward, Mbeere North Constituency in Embu County, where Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged leaders to shift focus from early campaigns to service delivery.
Kindiki cautioned politicians against engaging in premature succession politics, saying the country is not in campaign mode and that leaders should prioritize fulfilling the promises they made to voters.
“This is not the time for campaigns; it is time to work for Kenyans. Deliver on what you promised your voters, and that is the only way you will earn another opportunity to serve,” Kindiki said.
He emphasized that those already positioning themselves for the 2027 race risk abandoning the responsibilities entrusted to them by citizens.
According to the Deputy President, performance, not endless politicking, will ultimately determine who earns public support in the next election cycle.
On his part,Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku blasted Oburu and ODM over their calls for the Deputy President’s seat.
Ruku accused Oburu of unsettling leaders from the Mt Kenya region by repeatedly demanding the position despite being informed that it is neither vacant nor open for negotiation.
“Why are you vexing Mt Kenya leaders by repeatedly demanding the Deputy President’s position? We have told you that the seat is occupied. It is not vacant,” Ruku said, referencing recent remarks made by Oburu at a rally in Mombasa.
The Cabinet Secretary insisted that Kindiki has proven himself capable and loyal in government, working seamlessly alongside President William Ruto without internal conflicts.
“No one should demand the Deputy President’s position. It belongs to Kithure Kindiki even in 2027. His work is visible across the country,” Ruku declared.
Ruku further warned individuals calling on Mt Kenya leaders to reconsider their place in government, stating that the region played a central role in Kenya’s political history and would not be pushed aside.
“Leaders from Mt Kenya fought for the independence of this country. You cannot ask us to leave the government of the nation our forefathers helped build. We are here to stay,” he said.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire echoed Ruku’s sentiments, strongly defending Kindiki and maintaining that the Deputy President’s seat will remain in the Mt Kenya region.
Mbarire described the push for the position as premature and politically motivated, arguing that Kindiki has earned national respect through his performance and leadership style.
“Those eyeing the Deputy President’s seat should know it is not available. Kindiki has worked hard and united the country. That seat will not leave Mt Kenya,” she stated.
She added that Kindiki has demonstrated that he is not merely a regional leader but a national figure serving all Kenyans equally.
Beyond the political exchanges, the leaders highlighted development gains in Embu County under the Kenya Kwanza administration. They pointed to ongoing improvements in road infrastructure, electricity connectivity, water projects, healthcare facilities, markets, and education institutions.
Governor Mbarire credited President Ruto and his deputy for accelerating development in the region, saying Embu County has witnessed significant progress within a short period.
“I have never seen a government that has supported Embu County like this one. We have seen roads constructed, water projects rolled out, hospitals built, electricity installed, and schools improved,” she said.
The event ultimately served as both a defense of Kindiki’s position and a political signal from Mt Kenya leaders that they will resist any attempts to renegotiate the Deputy President’s seat ahead of 2027.
