Leave DP seat alone, it belongs to Kindiki - CS Ruku tells ODM

The CS stressed that Kindiki will remain Ruto’s deputy despite an attempt by the Orange Democratic Movement(ODM) to claim the seat in the 2027 elections. 

"You, ODM, leave the DP seat alone; it belongs to Kindiki until 2032, when Kindiki will vie for president," Ruku said, indicating that they will negotiate with ODM in 2032 regarding Kindiki's presidential ambitions.

Ruku’s statement follows pronouncements from ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga, that the outfit will be seeking the Deputy President position in the 2027 polls. 

Oburu took a u-turn last week after earlier stating that the party was not interested in the DP position and was in support of Kindiki. 

Speaking in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, on Sunday, Ruku also accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of spreading hatred against government supporters.

He questioned Gachagua's moral authority to claim that the government has not employed people from the Mt. Kenya region.

"We have the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, Kithure Kindiki, who is from Mt. Kenya. How can you tell the people of Mt. Kenya that they are not in the government?" Ruku asked.

Ruku, accompanied by Mwea MP Mary Maingi, announced plans to mobilize people from Mt. Kenya to support President William Ruto and Deputy President Kindiki's re-election bid. 

Ruku dismissed fears and criticisms from Gachagua, stating that Kenyans are not intimidated and that Gachagua will be in the opposition alone. 

"Rigathi will be in the opposition alone; we supported Kenyatta, Kibaki, and Uhuru—why is it wrong to support Kindiki?" he asked.

Mwea MP Mary Maingi echoed Ruku's sentiments, stating that Ruto and Kindiki are assured of two terms. 

"We in Kirinyaga are in Mt. Kenya East, not Mt. Kenya West; Kindiki is our son. Kindiki is two terms, and Geoffrey Ruku is long-term," she said.

The event at Joy Holy Trinity Ministry Gakungu Church was celebratory, with CS Ruku sharing cake and celebrating his birthday.