MERU, Kenya – A section of lawmakers from Mt Kenya East has cautioned President William Ruto against replacing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki as his running mate in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a grassroots leaders’ meeting in Meru County on Monday, seven MPs dismissed reports that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was pushing for a power-sharing deal that could see one of its leaders become Ruto’s deputy.
The legislators—Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), MPuru Aburi (Tigania East), George Mutunga (Tigania West), Dan Kiili (Igembe Central), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), Shadrack Mwiti (South Imenti), nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni, and Meru Woman Representative Karambu Kailemia—warned that removing Kindiki would alienate Ruto’s support base in Mt Kenya East.
“Mt Kenya East is fully behind the president, but our support stands because of Kindiki,” said Rindikiri. “For many years, our region has supported others for top seats. Now that we finally have one of our own, why should anyone start feeling greedy?”
Aburi dismissed ODM’s interest in the deputy president’s post, insisting the region would not relinquish the slot.
“Let our brothers from the Lake region forget this seat. It belongs to Mt Kenya East, and we will defend it come rain or sunshine,” he said.
Mutunga warned that removing Kindiki could trigger a political backlash, saying the region commands enough votes to influence any coalition ahead of 2027.
“We cannot allow anyone to replace Kindiki. The President should not listen to empty noise driven by greed for power. Mt Kenya East has the numbers and will defend its position,” he said.
The MPs reiterated that their support for Ruto’s second-term bid is anchored on mutual respect and the assurance that Kindiki remains second in command.
They also endorsed the deputy president as their preferred presidential candidate in 2032.
“We will support Ruto for a second term, but come 2032, our focus will be on Kindiki for the presidency. Since independence, this vote-rich region has never produced a president—it’s time other communities support us,” said Muthoni.
The remarks come amid growing speculation that Ruto could be courting ODM leader Raila Odinga’s allies as part of a broader plan to unify the country ahead of the 2027 polls.
