Ruku Dismisses ODM Bid for Deputy President Seat in 2027
Geoffrey Ruku, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, has dismissed claims that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) could secure the Deputy President’s seat in 2027, asserting that the position is already settled.
Speaking in Embu, Ruku affirmed that Professor Kithure Kindiki will continue as Deputy President through the 2027 General Election and beyond, emphasising that the current political arrangement under President William Ruto is intended to promote unity and service delivery, not open new discussions over key government posts.
His comments were in direct response to ODM Senator Oburu Oginga, who had suggested during a meeting in Mombasa that the Deputy President’s seat would be a crucial part of any coalition negotiations with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Oburu argued that ODM, with its national reach and voter base, should have a “fair share” of power in the government.
Ruku rejected the suggestion, reaffirming that leaders from the Mt Kenya region remain committed to the existing government structure. “That position belongs to our son, Kithure Kindiki,” he said, underlining that the Deputy President’s office would not be open to negotiation in 2027.
In a more conciliatory tone, Ruku hinted that ODM could be considered for the position in the long term, potentially in 2032, if Kindiki were to succeed Ruto as President.
