Reports have emerged that President William Ruto's government has transferred several critical responsibilities from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
According to confidential documents referenced by local media, the administration reassigned the mandate to oversee the Intergovernmental Relations Act to Mudavadi. Additionally, Kindiki was reportedly removed as chair of the influential Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), which coordinates financial relations between national and county governments.
Legal and Constitutional Context
The reassignment follows constitutional concerns raised during the senate review of draft regulations to implement the Intergovernmental Relations Act. While Executive Order No. 1 of 2025 initially assigned coordination of intergovernmental relations to the deputy president, Article 147(4) of the constitution restricts the deputy president from performing functions designated for a Cabinet secretary.
In response, the senate advised invoking Article 132(3)(c) of the constitution to formally designate a Cabinet secretary for this role. Subsequently, Mudavadi requested official designation and was appointed by the Head of Public Service in June. Kindiki was reportedly not informed of this decision directly.
Political Reactions
The developments have revived concerns about the diminishing role of the deputy presidency. Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached in 2024, claimed that the office itself is being weakened. Speaking recently, Gachagua suggested Kindiki is facing disrespect and marginalization within the government.
These changes come amid ongoing succession discussions within the Kenya Kwanza administration, with the 2027 General Election approaching.
