Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has issued a firm warning to political opponents targeting Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During a recent public statement, Ruku condemned ongoing political manoeuvres he described as disrespectful to Kindiki, directly addressing unnamed Cabinet colleagues and singling out Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya to focus on his ministerial duties rather than provoke Kindiki's camp.
Defending the Deputy Presidency
Ruku emphasized that the deputy presidency is not a role up for negotiation, differentiating it from other senior government positions such as Prime Cabinet Secretary or parliamentary speaker roles, which he said could be subject to political bargaining.
He asserted that Kindiki remains the legitimate Deputy President and that any attempts to portray the position as vacant or open for discussion are unfounded and disrespectful.
"The position of the Deputy President of Kenya is not available. It belongs to Professor Kithure Kindiki, and no one can undermine that," Ruku stated.
Willingness to Join ODM
In a notable declaration, Ruku expressed his and his allies’ readiness to join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if that was necessary to protect Kindiki’s deputy presidency and continue supporting President William Ruto’s administration.
He criticized persistent political speculation regarding the deputy presidency, urging leaders to stop the disrespect and baseless debates.
"If it means joining ODM to safeguard the Deputy President’s seat, we are ready. We will continue supporting President Dr. William Ruto and demand an end to these provocations," Ruku said.
Call for Respect Among Cabinet Members
Ruku also condemned what he described as attempts by some Cabinet secretaries to belittle Kindiki publicly, underscoring that such conduct undermines government cohesion.
He specifically called on CS Oparanya to prioritize his ministerial responsibilities and refrain from antagonizing Kindiki’s supporters.
