ELGEYO MARAKWET, Kenya — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration to stop engaging in premature campaigns for the 2032 General Election, warning that such political activities risk distracting the government from delivering on its development agenda.
Speaking on Saturday, July 11, during an event in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kindiki called on leaders across the country to concentrate on supporting President William Ruto’s administration and preparations for the 2027 General Election instead of succession politics.
“We have important work to do first next year so that we consolidate the gains we have achieved under the leadership of President William Ruto and ensure that his agenda to transform Kenya is not scuttled by a rudderless, agenda-less, thoughtless and plan-less opposition,” Kindiki said.
“I am calling on all leaders moving around the Republic of Kenya—from Coast, Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, Nairobi, North Eastern and Eastern—to stop early campaigns for 2032. We cannot afford to disrupt the work that President Ruto has begun because of early campaigns,” he added.
The Deputy President said the government’s priority should remain implementing its development programmes and securing a fresh mandate in the 2027 elections before discussions on the 2032 presidential succession begin.
His remarks come amid growing political debate within the Kenya Kwanza coalition over who could succeed President Ruto after the completion of his constitutionally permitted terms, should he secure re-election in 2027.
The succession conversation intensified after Nandi Governor Stephen Sang publicly endorsed National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula as the coalition’s preferred presidential candidate for the 2032 General Election.
Speaking on July 6, Sang argued that Wetang’ula was best placed to succeed President Ruto, citing his role in helping Kenya Kwanza secure victory in the 2022 General Election.
“The story of President Ruto’s victory in the 2022 General Election cannot be told without recognising the role played by Wetang’ula. His contribution is part of Kenya’s political history, and we appreciate the support he gave,” Sang said.
The debate has also been fuelled by remarks from President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, who recently stated that the presidency should shift to the Western region in 2032.
In addition, several elected leaders from the Western region have called for Speaker Wetang’ula to be considered as President Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election, arguing that the position would prepare him for a potential presidential bid in 2032.