Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed claims that he may be replaced as President William Ruto’s 2027 running mate.
Speaking at his Irunduni residence in Tharaka Nithi County on Monday, Kindiki brushed off political chatter about a looming reshuffle that could push him out of Ruto’s inner circle ahead of the next elections.
The second-in-command also signalled his long-term ambitions, stating that he intends to run for the presidency in 2032 after the President exits elective politics.
Kindiki expressed confidence in his political future, saying he is ready to take over leadership and believes he can defeat his rivals in the 2032 presidential race.
“Hao watu wanaweza na mimi? Hawawezi. Hii ni siasa saa hii ninapimia kwa sababu sasa hii kiti ni ya kupimia. Hii ya deputy ni lazima upimie. Ooh my friend, I will retire when I choose to,” he said.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary’s remarks come as Kenya’s political class begins early manoeuvres for the next presidential contest.
Several of the President’s allies have been jostling for position, with Kindiki’s name frequently surfacing to supporters as a loyal ally, and to critics as an expendable piece in Ruto’s political chessboard.
But the law professor made it clear he is not losing sleep over the backroom scheming.
Kindiki has been one of Ruto’s most steadfast defenders, often fronting government business to the public.
For instance, while still in Tharaka Nithi, he took the opportunity to tell residents that the government had unlocked stalled road construction projects in Maara Constituency after settling contractor debts, with new roads also in the pipeline.
He noted that key projects, including the near-complete Chogoria ESP Market, ongoing construction of Muraga TTI hostels, and rural electrification currently at 70 percent, were part of efforts to boost development in the region.
His steady rise from Tharaka Nithi Senator to a powerful Deputy President has not gone unnoticed. Detractors have whispered that Ruto could replace him with a younger or more regionally strategic figure come 2027.
Kindiki’s blunt rebuttal suggests he is aware of those whispers; and is choosing to laugh them off.
