CS Ruku warns ODM against eyeing DP slot, says it's reserved for Kindiki

Speaking at Ontulili in Buuri Constituency, Meru County, Ruku singled out his Cabinet colleague, Cooperative Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, and other ODM leaders, accusing them of undermining Prof. Kindiki through persistent public debate over the Deputy President's position.

"The office of the Deputy President is occupied. It is wrong for leaders to continue discussing it as though it were vacant. Such conversations amount to disrespect to the Deputy President and the institution he serves," Ruku said.

The CS maintained that Prof. Kindiki remains President William Ruto's preferred running mate for the 2027 General Election and dismissed speculation about possible changes to the Kenya Kwanza ticket.

Ruku argued that ODM leaders should instead focus on other political positions that may emerge through future negotiations rather than targeting the Deputy President's office.

He further observed that leaders from the Western region already hold influential positions in government, including the Prime Cabinet Secretary's office and the Speaker of the National Assembly, adding that the Mt Kenya region would not accept being sidelined in the political arrangements ahead of the 2027 polls.

"The Mt Kenya region will firmly stand behind the Ruto-Kindiki ticket in 2027. Thereafter, we shall rally behind Prof. Kindiki for the presidency in 2032," he said.

While acknowledging that political negotiations are a normal feature of coalition politics, Ruku said such engagements should be conducted respectfully and without undermining leaders already serving in constitutional offices.

"It is acceptable for political parties to negotiate for positions, but not in the manner some ODM leaders are doing by creating the impression that the Deputy President's office is up for grabs," he added.

The Cabinet Secretary also turned his attention to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of plotting against President Ruto.

Ruku claimed that similar attempts by some leaders from the Mt Kenya West region to undermine former President Daniel arap Moi had failed, and predicted that efforts against President Ruto would meet the same fate.

He reaffirmed that the Mt Kenya region would continue supporting President Ruto "come rain or sunshine," saying the Kenya Kwanza administration remains united and focused on implementing its development agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election.