Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s declaration that he will remain President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election is more than political confidence. In my view, it reflects his belief that he has built a strong case to retain the position.
“I want to state it clearly that I will be President William Ruto’s running mate in next year’s general elections. Those who are salivating for that position should forget it because the Ruto-Kindiki ticket will be on the ballot, and we shall win,” Kindiki said.
Unlike the political fallout that characterised Ruto’s relationship with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kindiki has maintained a relatively stable working relationship with the President. He has also consistently defended the administration and campaigned for Ruto’s re-election.
“I am asking my people from Meru to follow my direction because voting for President William Ruto is also voting for me,” he said.
That loyalty appears to be strengthening his position, particularly in Mount Kenya East.
TSP leader Mwangi Kiunjuri has already backed the Ruto-Kindiki ticket, saying the Deputy President position should remain in Mount Kenya.
“The position of Deputy President is not negotiable. Other positions can be occupied, but the position of Deputy President must remain in Mount Kenya. Ruto must pick Kindiki as his running mate in 2027,” Kiunjuri said.
Mount Kenya East elders have also endorsed Kindiki, calling on Mount Kenya West to support him.
There is backing beyond the region as well. EALA MP Falhada Iman Dekow described Ruto and Kindiki as a strong and stable partnership.
“President Ruto and his Deputy, Kindiki, are joined at the hip and remain inseparable. Their partnership, loyalty and coordination continue to speak volumes,” Falhada said.
However, Kindiki’s confidence should not be mistaken for a final decision. Ruto retains the prerogative to choose his running mate.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has already stressed this point.
“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.
Still, I believe Kindiki has good reason to be confident. He has remained loyal to Ruto, avoided public confrontation and increasingly secured support from Mount Kenya East.
If he can maintain that momentum and position himself as a unifying figure, dropping him could carry its own political cost.
