Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku…Photo/IP
By Alex Wekesa
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has sought to reassure President William Ruto of Mt Kenya East’s political support, saying the region will remain firmly behind the President in the 2027 General Election regardless of who is chosen as his running mate.
Speaking on Monday, July 27, Ruku acknowledged that speculation over Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s political future has intensified in recent days, but insisted that selecting a running mate is a decision that rests solely with the President.
“We will continue supporting President William Ruto even if Kindiki is not picked. It is the prerogative of the Head of State to choose his running mate,” Ruku said.
Even so, the Cabinet Secretary made it clear that his personal preference is for Kindiki to retain the position, praising the Deputy President’s performance since taking office.
According to Ruku, Kindiki has served diligently as President Ruto’s principal assistant and has earned another term.
“I support Kithure Kindiki to continue being the Deputy President because he has performed very well as President Ruto’s principal assistant. He has outperformed himself, and I believe he is best suited to continue serving from 2027 to 2032. You don’t fix what is working,” he said.
Ruku’s remarks come as political debate over Ruto’s running mate gathers momentum ahead of the next General Election.
On Sunday, a section of ODM leaders publicly backed Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya for the deputy president’s position if UDA and ODM formalise a coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed said such an arrangement would see President Ruto fly the coalition’s presidential flag while ODM nominates the running mate, naming Oparanya as the party’s preferred candidate.
The discussion has also drawn in former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, who claimed that Kindiki is facing political isolation.
During an interview on Sunday, Gachagua alleged that Kindiki was experiencing the same treatment he faced before leaving office.
He further claimed that calls by some ODM leaders to back Oparanya were part of a wider political strategy aimed at piling pressure on the Deputy President.
As political leaders continue to advance different proposals, the question of who will partner with President Ruto in the 2027 race is increasingly shaping Kenya’s early election conversations.
Ends.
