Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku has declared support for Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s continued stay in office, dismissing suggestions that the position could be up for negotiation in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Sunday in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Ruku told the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to abandon any ambitions of claiming the Deputy President’s seat in 2027.

“To ODM, leave the Deputy President’s seat alone. It belongs to Kindiki until 2032, when he will be seeking the presidency,” Ruku said.

He suggested that any political negotiations with ODM regarding the presidency would only arise after 2032.

Ruku’s remarks come days after ODM leader Oburu Oginga indicated that the party would pursue the Deputy President position in the next election — a shift from his earlier stance where he had expressed support for Kindiki remaining in office.

During the event, Ruku also criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of inciting division and misleading residents of the Mt. Kenya region about their representation in government.

He questioned Gachagua’s claims that the region had been sidelined in state appointments, pointing to Kindiki’s position as Deputy President.

“We have the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, Kithure Kindiki, who comes from Mt. Kenya. How can anyone say the region is not represented in government?” Ruku posed.

The Cabinet Secretary, who was accompanied by Mwea MP Mary Maingi, said leaders from Mt. Kenya would mobilise support for President William Ruto and Deputy President Kindiki’s re-election bid in 2027.

He dismissed criticism from Gachagua, saying Kenyans would not be intimidated and that the former Deputy President risked isolating himself politically.

“Rigathi will remain in the opposition alone. We supported previous leaders from this region why should it be wrong to support Kindiki?” Ruku said.

MP Mary Maingi echoed his sentiments, expressing confidence that the Ruto–Kindiki ticket would secure two terms in office.

“We in Kirinyaga stand firmly behind Kindiki. He is our son, and we believe he will serve two terms,” she said.

The remarks were made during a church service at Joy Holy Trinity Ministry Gakungu Church, where Ruku also marked his birthday in a celebratory atmosphere.