Kindiki spoke amid growing political controversy triggered by remarks from some allies of the ruling coalition that have sparked accusations of possible electoral interference ahead of the next election.
“I want to say without fear of contradiction that President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration believe in the rule of law; believe in democracy; believe in healthy competition, and we do not condone the language of election interference,” Kindiki said in Kisii on Monday.
He was in the region to inspect ongoing government projects, including roads, a senior school, and to launch electricity connectivity for locals.
“We expect free and fair elections. IEBC stood firm and upheld Ruto’s election in 2022. The decision of the electorate must be respected. President Ruto and all of us do not believe in interfering with democracy. We stand for free, fair, transparent elections,” he added.
The Deputy President’s remarks come after a political storm erupted over comments by Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula and other leaders allied to the government, which the opposition interpreted as suggesting plans to influence the outcome of the 2027 election.
Savula had claimed that President Ruto’s re-election was already assured, remarks that attracted criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups who warned against rhetoric that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The controversy has forced senior Kenya Kwanza figures to distance the administration from any perception of election interference.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan clarified that the contentious remarks did not represent the official position of the ruling party.
Kindiki defended the integrity of the country’s democratic institutions, pointing to the handling of the disputed 2022 presidential election by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the courts.
The 2022 presidential results, which handed Ruto victory, were upheld by the Supreme Court of Kenya after opposition leaders challenged the outcome in court.
Political temperatures have gradually started rising as early succession debates and alliance-building activities intensify ahead of 2027.
Opposition leaders have repeatedly accused sections of the state of attempting to influence independent institutions, while government leaders have accused rivals of creating unnecessary tension.
Kindiki said the country’s democracy must be protected through respect for constitutional institutions and the will of voters.
His remarks are likely to shape ongoing debate around electoral reforms and the reconstitution of the IEBC, which remains a major point of political contestation between the ruling coalition and opposition camps.
The Deputy President maintained that the Kenya Kwanza administration would allow democratic competition to prevail without state interference, saying the government’s focus remains on service delivery and development rather than political manipulation.
