Fresh political fireworks have erupted after Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku sharply rebuked Oburu Oginga over repeated remarks touching on the Deputy President’s seat.
Speaking alongside Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and several MPs from the Mt. Kenya East region, Ruku dismissed what he termed as persistent and provocative claims suggesting that the DP position should be part of ongoing political negotiations.
“Mhe. Oburu unatukera. Kwa nini urudie tena na tena kwamba unataka kiti cha DP? The Deputy President’s office is not vacant. DP Kithure Kindiki ako na wafuasi wa kutosha,” Ruku said firmly.
Ruto–Kindiki Alliance “Strong and Focused”
Ruku emphasized that President William Ruto and his deputy are working in harmony, with their focus firmly placed on development and service delivery not early political contests.
He cautioned leaders within the broad-based government arrangement to exercise restraint and mutual respect.
“Even if we are in the broad-based government, we must work with respect and desist from annoying each other unnecessarily,” Ruku added, in remarks that appeared aimed directly at ODM’s recent push.
Kindiki Tells Politicians to Cool Down
On his part, DP Kithure Kindiki called on the political class to tone down rising political temperatures, warning against dragging the country into premature 2027 succession battles.
“I want to ask all of us, especially the political class, to tone down the fierce political heat being generated by the ongoing debate. There is no need to worry,” Kindiki said.
Projecting confidence, the DP maintained that he is politically seasoned and would engage any contest at the appropriate time.
“We are masters of this political game. At the right time, I will play our cards properly. I have no record of losing any political contest,” he declared.
ODM’s Stand on DP Position
The latest exchange follows remarks by Oburu Oginga during recent rallies, where he insisted that ODM should secure the Deputy President slot in negotiations with UDA as part of early 2027 election preparations.
With by-elections slated for February 26, 2026, Kindiki also urged voters to support UDA candidates, signaling that political alignments ahead of 2027 are already taking shape.
As tensions simmer, the DP debate is fast becoming a defining political flashpoint one that could reshape alliances long before the ballot is cast.
