Ruku Says Mt Kenya Will Back Ruto in 2027 With or Without Kindiki

The debate over President William Ruto's running mate for the 2027 General Election took a fresh turn on Monday after Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said the Mount Kenya region would support the President's re-election even if Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is not retained on the ticket.

Speaking during an interview on NTV, Ruku said the decision on who serves as a presidential running mate rests solely with the President, urging Kenya Kwanza supporters to respect whichever choice Ruto ultimately makes.

While insisting that the region's support for the President would remain unchanged, Ruku said he personally believes Kindiki deserves another term as Deputy President.

"I support Kindiki to continue being the DP because he has performed very well as Ruto's principal assistant. He has outperformed himself as DP, and I think he is suited to be the DP from 2027 to 2032," Ruku said.

He added that loyalty to the President should not hinge on the identity of his running mate.

"If he is not picked, we will continue supporting President Ruto. It is the prerogative of the head of state to choose his running mate. It is his prerogative to choose his running mate," he said.

Ruku's remarks come as political debate over the composition of Ruto's 2027 ticket gathers pace within the broad-based government.

Earlier, leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) publicly backed Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya for the Deputy President's position, arguing that the party should occupy the second-highest office if it continues supporting Ruto's re-election.

Addressing supporters during a rally in Malava, ODM leaders said the arrangement should reflect the political partnership between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

"UDA should produce the president while ODM will produce the DP, and we will present Wycliffe Oparanya," ODM Secretary-General Junet Mohamed said.

The party's acting Secretary-General, Catherine Omanyo, also indicated that ODM would seek the deputy presidency as part of any future political negotiations with UDA.

Asked about the growing competition for the position, Ruku dismissed concerns over politicians publicly expressing interest, saying every Kenyan has a democratic right to seek elective or political office.

However, he reiterated that he does not support Oparanya's bid, maintaining that Kindiki has performed effectively in office and remains the best choice to continue as Deputy President.

The comments underscore the increasingly prominent role the deputy presidency is expected to play in political negotiations ahead of the 2027 election, as parties within the broad-based administration position themselves for the next electoral cycle.

Although President Ruto has not publicly addressed speculation over his preferred running mate, discussions within both government and opposition circles suggest the issue is becoming an important part of the country's evolving political landscape.