NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 16 – Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku now says the Deputy President seat currently occupied by Kithure Kindiki is politically and historically anchored in the Mt Kenya region and is not up for negotiation.
Ruku further emphasized that while the government operates under a broad-based arrangement aimed at fostering unity and national development, the Deputy President’s seat is not part of any political bargain.
“Those looking for seats should not bother with the presidency or the deputy presidency. That seat belongs to Kindiki. There is no vacancy now, and there will be no vacancy in 2027,” Ruku told congregants amid cheers.
“We respect the broad-based government for the sake of unity and development across the country. But on the seat of the Deputy President, we cannot bargain. It belongs to Kindiki, and we will stand with him until he ascends to the presidency,” he declared.
Projecting ahead to the 2032 General Election, Ruku added:
“When 2032 comes and Kindiki runs for President, that is when he can sit with ODM and negotiate for his deputy. But not now.”
The CS also launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of fueling division in the Mt Kenya region and invoking Mau Mau lineage to intimidate leaders.
“Stop threatening people and calling yourself the son of Mau Mau. We are also sons of Mau Mau. Our forefathers fought for the independence of this country,” Ruku fired.
He accused Gachagua of promoting what he termed “hatred-driven politics,” particularly claims that Mt Kenya has been sidelined in government appointments.
“Those are statements of hatred planted in the hearts of Mt Kenya people for personal political interests. The government has not secluded this region,” he said.
Ruku further alleged that Gachagua’s current political stance stems from failure to effectively discharge his mandate while in office.
“You were unable to do your work. Stop dragging other people into your failures. Do not organize hatred against those who support President Ruto,” he charged.
In what appears to be an emerging regional narrative, Ruku argued that Mt Kenya East deserves representation at the highest levels of leadership.
“Mt Kenya East has supported presidents from Central Kenya for many years. Now it is our turn to support Kindiki as the second-in-command from this side. He has the closest opportunity of becoming President in 2032,” he said.
He added pointedly: “We have supported Kikuyus for long. It is their time to support Kindiki.”
Ruku dismissed claims that dissatisfaction in the region stems from stalled development projects.
He cited ongoing infrastructure initiatives, including the dualling of the Makutano–Embu–Meru road, alongside agricultural and public service reforms, as evidence of government delivery.
“This is not about development. The government has delivered. What we are seeing is politics of personal interest disguised as concern for the people,” he stated.
Mwea MP Mary Maingi echoed Ruku’s sentiments, reaffirming the region’s loyalty to President William Ruto and Deputy President Kindiki.
“We are firmly behind the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. As a region, we have agreed to support him until he becomes President in 2032,” Maingi said.
She issued a stern warning to ODM, stating that there is no vacancy in the Deputy President’s seat.
As political realignments begin to crystallize ahead of 2027 and beyond, Ruku’s remarks signal an intensifying battle for influence within Mt Kenya — a region that remains pivotal in Kenya’s national politics.
With succession politics already shaping early alliances, Sunday’s fiery exchange underscores the high stakes surrounding the Deputy President’s position and the broader 2032 presidential race.
