Deputy President Kithure Kindiki speaks during a meeting with UDA polling-centre officials in Irunduni, Tharaka Nithi County on August 21, 2026. / DPCSDeputy President Kithure Kindiki has said he would defend his position against any attempt to remove him from office.
Speaking on Friday in Tharaka Nithi County, Kindiki said he would not surrender his position if faced with efforts to remove him from office.
“I am the fireman, and now, by the grace of God, the Deputy President of Kenya. Do you think there is anybody who can remove me from this seat and chase me away? It is not possible. I will defend myself,” Kindiki said.
His remarks came as the position of deputy president features in political negotiations between ODM and UDA ahead of the 2027 General Election.
ODM has pushed for a role in the top leadership of a proposed electoral arrangement with UDA, with senior party officials saying the deputy president position should be part of negotiations if ODM supports President William Ruto’s re-election.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga has said the party will not field a presidential candidate and will instead support Ruto, while arguing that other positions, including that of deputy president, remain open for discussion.
The position has drawn a response from allies of Kindiki, with Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku saying the deputy president’s position was not vacant and that Kindiki would remain in office through the 2027 election and the next presidential term if Ruto is re-elected.
Kindiki’s remarks echoed that position, with the Deputy President saying he would defend his office rather than give it up.
He referred to Ruto’s experience as deputy president under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, recalling the political tensions that surrounded the then Deputy President.
“Our President, William Ruto, during the last days, disagreed with his former boss, they tried to remove Ruto, but it was not possible because he had many friends and he was the Deputy President. He stayed firm until the end,” he said.
Kindiki said he would similarly stand his ground.
“I will defend myself. I cannot simply be chased away; I will defend myself,” he said.
The Deputy President also criticised political opponents for focusing on personal attacks and nicknames instead of presenting policy alternatives.
Kindiki also told the officials that their role would include promoting the party and communicating the government’s record to voters.
He said UDA and its political partners would seek to retain the presidency in 2027 based on the administration’s development record.
