Kindiki Dismisses Reports of Fallout With Ruto

NAIROBI, Kenya — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed as “fake news” reports circulating on social media alleging that President William Ruto had stripped him of key government responsibilities amid growing speculation over his position in the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Kindiki broke his silence on Tuesday after online claims suggested that his role of chairing intergovernmental coordination had been transferred to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Without directly addressing the specific allegations, the Deputy President issued a brief response on his official X account.

“Fake news,” Kindiki posted.

Reports emerge amid growing political speculation

Kindiki’s response comes against the backdrop of heightened political speculation following the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party’s defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, a result widely viewed as a setback for the ruling coalition in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.

In recent days, reports have circulated alleging that the Deputy President is increasingly being sidelined within government, with some political commentators claiming influential figures are lobbying for President Ruto to replace him as his running mate ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Some allies of the President have publicly questioned whether Kindiki is best placed to help the ruling coalition retain support in the Mt Kenya region during the next election.

Political landscape in Mt Kenya

The speculation comes as President Ruto continues to navigate shifting political dynamics in the Mt Kenya region following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Gachagua has remained politically active through the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which recently secured victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, strengthening his influence in the region.

The by-election outcome has intensified debate over the ruling coalition’s political strategy in Mt Kenya as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.

No official confirmation

Despite widespread online claims, neither State House nor the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary has issued any official communication confirming reports that Kindiki’s responsibilities have been reassigned.

Kindiki’s brief statement is the first direct response from the Deputy President since the claims emerged, dismissing the reports without offering further details.