Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has turned focus to his Mt Kenya backyard, signalling a proactive campaign to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Over the coming weeks, he is expected to hold a series of “meet the people” tours, inspect ongoing government projects and engage local leaders on priority development issues.
Kindiki’s moves come amid mounting pressure from opposition partners, notably ODM, who are staking a claim to the deputy presidency in the next broad-based political arrangement with President William Ruto.
Yet, DP Kindiki appears unshaken, with several Mt Kenya leaders rallying behind him, insisting the position is non-negotiable.
A section of leaders has stated clearly that the President and Deputy President seats are occupied now and beyond 2027.
Kindiki dismissed the overtures, emphasising political timing and strategy.
“We are the technicians of politics, we talk at the right time, and we don’t talk all the time,” he said, reassuring supporters that there was no cause for alarm.
Regional leaders have intensified their push for Kindiki’s retention in Ruto’s 2027 re-election matrix.
During a church service in Meru yesterday, leaders stressed that the region (Mt Kenya East) would rally behind the DP ‘as their son’.
“Don’t be disturbed by passing wind. If you [Oburu Oginga] want the DP seat, come here, and we vote as wananchi to decide,” Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi said.
Imenti Central’s Moses Kirima said the government had delivered projects to the region, saying they are hopeful the DP would be president someday.
“The seat of DP is not vacant and is occupied by none other than Kithure Kindiki. Let them [ODM] be told there is no vacancy, but we have room for them in the house,” the MP said.
Nominated MP Dorothy Ikiara said the DP’s destiny as a future leader “of the nation” was defined by the time his father named him Abraham.
“When the time comes, we will have to hold him with our two hands,” Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu said.
“We hope to have him run for President in 2032. We will rally behind him to the last man,” Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma said.
Kindiki addressed congregants, reflecting on leadership, service and the importance of keeping development as the focus.
As 2027 approaches, the scramble for the DP position is intensifying, and so is the defence by his allies.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri said over the weekend that Mt Kenya must speak with one voice on the deputy presidency.
He urged ODM to focus on internal cohesion, insisting there was no debate over Kindiki’s position.
“We will defend the seat at all costs,” Kiunjuri said, urging supporters to consolidate behind the DP.
“Numbers matter in politics and Mt Kenya’s unity will be our strongest leverage in negotiations with ODM.”
Kiunjuri also warned that regional divisions – along Ameru, Embu and Kikuyu lines – would weaken Mt Kenya’s political influence, underscoring the need for a united front.
Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, Imenti Central’s Moses Kirima and Tigania West’s John Mutunga echoed the call for a solidified approach.
On Friday evening, DP Kindiki made an impromptu stop in Maragua to inspect the Sh2.3 billion, 42km Saba Saba–Kamahuha–Kaharati–Maragua–Ichagaki–Gikomora–Ngaburi Road, which had stalled in 2020 due to funding shortfalls during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The resumption of the project followed government clearance of Sh190 billion in pending roads sector bills, which unlocked over 6,000km of stalled roads nationwide.
The Maragua–Ichagaki–Gikomora–Ngaburi section is expected to be completed within two months.
Kindiki’s hands-on approach has earned him praise for bringing vibrancy and visibility to the deputy presidency, a sharp contrast to his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua.
Increasingly, DP Kindiki has become the government’s point man in outlining policy progress and projecting next steps in implementing the UDA manifesto ahead of the 2027 general election.
His mastery of governmental processes has been publicly acknowledged by President Ruto, who often contrasts Kindiki’s approach with Gachagua’s, whose term ended amid controversy and impeachment proceedings.
At UDA’s National Governing Council meeting at State House, Kindiki led presentations detailing the government’s achievements in line with the manifesto.
On multiple occasions, he has spoken for over an hour, a display that has become unprecedented at presidential events.
Furthermore, at Nyota tours and empowerment meetings across the country, Kindiki has set the stage for the President, acting as the chief explainer and strategist.
His visibility in these roles has bolstered his profile in Mt Kenya and nationally, cementing his image as a hands-on, knowledgeable deputy.
Observers say Kindiki’s strategy of combining development oversight, political messaging and personal engagement is strengthening his positioning for the deputy presidency.
Analysts note that his visible involvement in key government initiatives and his ability to articulate policy success give him a clear edge over rivals.
“Since ascending to the country’s second-highest office, Kindiki has surely and steadily carved out a niche for himself, and it is evident that his boss is impressed,” political commentator Adow Mohamed said.
However, Kindiki’s supporters remain confident that his mix of policy expertise, visibility and regional backing will make it difficult for opponents to dislodge him.
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