Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege has dismissed calls by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for the Deputy President slot in 2027, insisting that Kithure Kindiki will retain the position after 2027 and ultimately succeed William Ruto in 2032.

Speaking on Saturday, February 14, 2026, during the inspection of the Maragua–Kigumo Road, an event graced by Deputy President Kindiki, Chege told off ODM leaders pushing for the slot, terming their demands unrealistic and urging them to go slow.

She maintained that Kindiki will remain President Ruto’s running mate in 2027 and “is going nowhere.”

“ODM come slowly. Kindiki is ours, he will still be the DP past 2027, and in 2032, he will even vie for the presidency,” she stated.

Her remarks come at a time when leaders from the Mt Kenya region allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have strongly defended Kindiki against pressure from ODM. The party, led by Oburu Odinga, has declared that under its coalition agreement with UDA, it will settle for nothing less than the Deputy President position in 2027.

Oburu’s sentiments rattled a section of Mt Kenya leaders, some of whom have threatened to bolt out of the broad-based government should Kindiki be stripped of the DP role.

Among the first to oppose the move was Muthomi Njuki, the Tharaka Nithi Governor. Njuki argued that if ODM insists the Deputy President must come from its party, then Kindiki should resign from UDA, join ODM, and retain the seat under that arrangement. He termed that as the only compromise acceptable to leaders from the region, insisting their “kinsman” must remain at the helm beyond 2027.

He was seconded by Public Service and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who echoed similar sentiments, saying the DP slot remains reserved for Kindiki and is non-negotiable.

Other UDA-allied MPs, including Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a and Kiambaa MP John Kawanjiku, have also defended Kindiki, warning that any attempt to push him out would trigger a political fallout in the Mt Kenya region.

Wanjiku defends ODM

However, leaders aligned to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, led by Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, have sided with ODM’s push for the DP slot. Muhia argued that when they previously fought for the interests of Mt Kenya, they were branded tribalists. Now, she noted, those who criticised them find themselves advancing similar regional interests.

She added that they would have no issue if the seat were handed to Oburu or even ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, questioning what the pro-Kindiki camp expected after ODM signed a cooperation agreement with President Ruto. According to her, the emerging cracks were predictable.

Kindiki’s DP debate take

Kindiki himself appeared to respond to the debate, urging Mt Kenya residents not to be alarmed by the ongoing political noise. He described himself as a seasoned political strategist who chooses his moments carefully.

“Msibabaishwe na ile mambo kidogo kidogo ambayo mnaskia hapa na pale. Hii mambo ingine yote ya siasa, sisi ndio mafundi wa siasa, my friend. Na hatuongeangi sana. We know we talk at the right time,” he said.