KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has brushed off suggestions that the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is angling for the country’s second-highest office in ongoing political negotiations.
Speaking in Kirinyaga County during an impromptu inspection of the stalled Maragwa–Ichagaki–Gamburi road project, which has been dormant since 2020, Prof Kindiki said he remained unfazed by recent political statements.
His remarks follow comments attributed to ODM leadership indicating interest in the deputy presidency as part of broader power discussions with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“Do not be unsettled by small things you hear here and there. We are masters of politics and we do not speak carelessly, we speak at the right time,” Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President, stated.
Mt Kenya leaders push back
Leaders allied to the so-called broad-based government, particularly from the Mt Kenya region, insisted the deputy presidency was not open to political bargaining.
“We hold the number two position. Do you want it taken away? Has ODM not just arrived?” Mary Wathera, MP for Maragua, stated.
They maintained that both the presidency and deputy presidency are constitutionally occupied offices and not subject to negotiation through political deals.
The debate comes amid shifting alliances within Kenya’s political landscape, as President William Ruto consolidates support across regions while facing sustained criticism from opposition figures over the cost of living, taxation policies and economic reforms.
Kenya Kwanza rallies support
In Kericho County, leaders affiliated with the Kenya Kwanza coalition accused the opposition of frustrating development efforts.
Soipan Tuya, the Defence Cabinet Secretary, called for issue-based politics focused on delivery.
“We want issue-based politics focused on uplifting ordinary Kenyans,” Soipan Tuya, Defence Cabinet Secretary, stated.
Kericho Governor Erick Mutai echoed the sentiment.
“We want to tell those opposing the two-term agenda that the nation cannot be driven by empty rhetoric. They are not talking about what Ruto has done,” Erick Mutai, Kericho Governor, stated.
Opposition criticised over drought politics
In Isiolo County, during campaigns linked to the Isiolo South by-election, allies of the ruling coalition urged the opposition to allow the government space to implement its agenda.
Farouk Kibet, a presidential aide, criticised opposition leaders for what he described as politicising sensitive issues.
“We are telling the opposition they have no agenda. Let the government do its work,” Farouk Kibet, Presidential Aide, stated.
Meanwhile, Taveta MP John Bwire took aim at former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
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“Please, Uhuru Kenyatta, behave like other retired presidents and allow President Ruto to do his work,” John Bwire, MP for Taveta, stated.
Kenya’s 2022 general election ushered in a highly competitive political era, with realignments continuing well into the current term.
Analysts note that negotiations and public positioning around senior government roles often signal deeper coalition bargaining ahead of future electoral cycles.
While there is no formal process underway to alter the composition of the executive, rhetoric surrounding power-sharing has intensified in recent weeks.
For now, Prof Kindiki appears keen to project stability, insisting that political manoeuvring will not distract from government priorities.
