Mudavadi Breaks Silence on Claims of Replacing Kindiki as Ruto’s DP Ahead of 2027 Elections

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has dismissed growing claims that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki could be replaced ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the position is already occupied, and the two leaders are working well together.

Speaking during a public function on Friday, September 11, Mudavadi said President William Ruto had made his decision when he appointed Kindiki to the country’s second-highest office, adding that those within government had a duty to respect that choice and concentrate on delivering for Kenyans.

“As far as I am concerned, the position is not vacant. Professor Kindiki is there. He is doing a good job. He is working for the President and working for the country,” Mudavadi said.

His remarks come amid an increasingly open battle over who should occupy the Deputy President’s position on Ruto’s ticket in 2027.

Mudavadi defends Ruto-Kindiki working relationship

Mudavadi, who has spent decades in Kenyan politics, said political disagreements and ambitions should not be mistaken for a breakdown within the administration.

He described Kindiki as a deputy who has been able to work with Ruto without creating the tensions that characterised the relationship between the President and his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua.

“We work very well with Professor Kithure Kindiki. He helps us a lot, and he deputises the President in a very good way,” Mudavadi said.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary suggested that the President now has confidence in his deputy, allowing him to focus on governing without constantly worrying about what is happening behind him.

“President does not look over his shoulder the way he used to look. These days, when he is working, he moves forward because he knows there is no backstabbing from behind,” he said.

Also Read: Kenyans React as Kindiki Shares Photos With Ruto to Show They Are Still on Good Terms

Kindiki took over as Deputy President in November 2024 after Parliament impeached Gachagua, with Ruto nominating him for the position. He has since remained at the centre of the administration’s national engagements and government programmes.

ODM pushes for the Deputy President slot

The remarks come as ODM politicians increasingly position themselves for the Deputy President’s seat as a key issue in their political cooperation with Ruto ahead of the next election.

Kisii Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati has said the party will not surrender its demand for the position if Ruto remains UDA’s presidential candidate in 2027.

He has argued that ODM should provide the running mate under a proposed 50-50 political arrangement.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has similarly backed an ODM candidate for the position, while Wycliffe Oparanya has been publicly floated as one of the possible choices.

That push has placed Kindiki in the middle of a political contest that is likely to become more intense as the 2027 election approaches.

Also Read: ODM Endorses Gladys Wanga as Ruto’s Deputy Ahead of 2027 Elections

Kindiki himself has already rejected the idea that his office is available, declaring in August that those seeking the position should know that it was occupied and that he remained focused on his responsibilities.

Mudavadi, however, said politicians should not be prevented from expressing their ambitions.

“People can talk. You cannot gag a politician. You cannot suppress somebody who wants to show, speak about or covet a position. That is their democratic right,” he said.

Mudavadi calls for focus on 2027

The Prime Cabinet Secretary urged supporters of the Kenya Kwanza administration to look beyond the noise surrounding possible changes to the presidential ticket and concentrate on the next election.

He said the priority should be ensuring continuity and what he described as success for the administration rather than allowing speculation over political positions to distract the government.

“As Kenyans, let us stand firm. Our focus as we head to the election is continuity and success for the UDA government led by President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki,” Mudavadi said.

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His position effectively places him on the side of maintaining the current working arrangement while leaving the constitutional power to determine the eventual 2027 ticket with Ruto.

A May TIFA survey found Kindiki was the most preferred potential running mate among Ruto supporters, attracting 59% support, compared with 12% for ODM chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.

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Photo of President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. PHOTO/ CITIZEN DIGITAL