KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Ndia MP George Kariuki has expressed interest in becoming President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election, arguing that Kirinyaga is best positioned to bridge political divisions between Mt Kenya East and West.
Kariuki said Kirinyaga’s geographical position at the centre of the wider Mt Kenya region could make it an acceptable compromise if leaders from the two blocs fail to agree on who should occupy the Deputy President position.
“We are the heart of this region. And if we are the heart of this region, when it comes here, those who are in the East will be satisfied. The people of Embu will be satisfied,” Kariuki said.
Speaking at his Gacharu residence, the lawmaker urged Mt Kenya residents to remain united behind President Ruto’s administration, arguing that the region should avoid divisive politics and focus on completing development projects initiated by the government.
Kariuki said if leaders from Mt Kenya East and West cannot agree on a candidate, the running mate position should be considered for Kirinyaga.
“And if they agree that it should come here to Kirinyaga, why can’t it be Ndia?” he posed.
Kariuki cites loyalty to Ruto
The MP cited his two terms as Ndia MP and his political loyalty to Ruto as factors that could strengthen his case for the position.
He recalled that after the 2022 General Election, he approached Ruto seeking the chairmanship of the National Assembly Roads Committee and was subsequently appointed to the position.
“Who knows, he can also pick me as his running mate after being loyal to him. Kirinyaga people are known for their loyalty,” Kariuki said.
He said he would spend the next 90 days consulting leaders and residents across Mt Kenya before deciding whether to formally declare his interest.
Kariuki maintained that he was not seeking to force himself on the region or displace other politicians, saying he would only step forward if leaders failed to reach a consensus.
Mt Kenya East-West debate
The MP’s remarks come amid growing debate over who could succeed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as Ruto’s running mate if the President seeks re-election in 2027.
Kindiki remains a central figure in discussions about Mt Kenya’s political future, but competition for the position has increasingly attracted politicians seeking to establish themselves within Kenya Kwanza’s succession calculations.
The debate has also revived discussions about the political distinction between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West, with leaders from both blocs seeking greater influence over the region’s political direction.
Kariuki argued that geographical and political divisions should not determine who gets senior government positions, saying Kirinyaga could provide a middle ground because of its position between the two blocs.
He urged residents to approach the succession debate with caution and avoid political divisions that could weaken the region’s influence.
Calls for continuity
Kariuki also urged Mt Kenya residents to support Ruto’s administration, arguing that the government should be given an opportunity to complete its development agenda.
“We do not want to start another new journey. We want to complete the journey that was started by President Ruto. Let him serve another five years, then hand over the government to someone else,” he said.
The MP has been hosting groups of grassroots leaders from different counties at his residence as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He said the consultations would help determine his next political move and establish whether there is sufficient support for a Kirinyaga-based candidate.
Kariuki’s declaration adds another name to the increasingly competitive debate over Ruto’s potential running mate, with the Mt Kenya region expected to play a significant role in determining the shape of the 2027 presidential contest.
