Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has criticized Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga over his recent remarks suggesting that the party is eyeing the Deputy President position in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Thursday, Ruku dismissed the claims, warning that the position will not be vacant in the upcoming polls. He emphasized that the current Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, will not be replaced or shortchanged.
“To the ODM Party, we have accepted to be in the broad-based government, and we shall work in it with William Ruto to bring unity to Kenya and to make sure that the government works for the people. Kithure Kindiki is the deputy president of the Republic of Kenya for now and in the 2027 elections until 2032.
“If the ODM party is interested in the position, we shall give it after that, when Kithure Kindiki will be vying for the presidency. We shall pick one person from the ODM party to be the deputy president, but for now, the position is not vacant.”
He urged ODM to focus on other areas of negotiation and wait until Kindiki completes his tenure before seeking the position.
Earlier, during the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Mombasa, Oburu Odinga had clarified that the party is keen on securing the deputy president position in 2027. Odinga emphasized that ODM’s interest in the seat is strategic and not a personal attack on the current officeholder.
“Our intention is to ensure ODM has a strong stake in the next government. We have no ill-will towards Deputy President Kindiki, but we believe the position should reflect the spirit of inclusivity,” Odinga said.
The exchange underscores the growing political realignments and early jostling for power as the country inches closer to the 2027 general elections.
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