CS Ruku warns ODM to keep off DP seat in 2027
By Bancy Lole, February 15, 2026A charged political atmosphere engulfed Joy Holy Trinity Church in Thiba Ward, Mwea Constituency, Kirinyaga County, on Sunday, February 15, 2026, after Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programs, Geoffrey Ruku, issued a bold warning to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to keep off the seat of the Deputy President.
Ruku declared that the position currently held by Kithure Kindiki is politically and historically anchored in the Mt Kenya region and is not up for negotiation.
“Those looking for seats should not bother with the presidency or the deputy presidency. That seat belongs to Kindiki. There is no vacancy now, and there will be no vacancy in 2027,” Ruku told congregants amid cheers.
He emphasised that while the government operates under a broad-based arrangement meant to foster unity and national development, the Deputy President’s seat is not part of any political bargain.
“We respect the broad-based government for the sake of unity and development across the country. But on the seat of the Deputy President, we cannot bargain. It belongs to Kindiki, and we will stand with him until he ascends to the presidency,” Ruku declared.
In a striking projection of 2032 politics, the CS added, stating that when 2032 comes, and Kindiki runs for president, that is when he can sit with ODM and negotiate for his deputy.
Ruku warns Gachagua
Ruku also turned his guns on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of spreading division and threatening leaders while invoking Mau Mau lineage.
“Stop threatening people and calling yourself the son of Mau Mau. We are also sons of Mau Mau. Our forefathers also fought for the independence of this country,” Ruku fired.
He accused Gachagua of poisoning the Mt Kenya region with what he termed “hatred-driven politics”, particularly claims that the region has been sidelined in government appointments.
“Those are statements of hatred planted in the hearts of Mt Kenya people for personal political interests. The government has not secluded this region,” he said.
Ruku alleged that Gachagua’s current political posture stems from failure to effectively discharge his mandate while in office.
“You were unable to do your work. Stop dragging other people into your failures. Do not organise hatred against those who support President Ruto,” he charged.
He warned residents against falling prey to propaganda.
“If you follow Gachagua, you will remain in the opposition forever. Do not buy propaganda,“ he stated.
Mt Kenya East
In what appears to be a growing regional narrative, Ruku argued that Mt Kenya East deserves its moment in top national leadership.
“Mt Kenya East has supported presidents from Central Kenya for many years. Now it is our turn to support Kindiki as the second-in-command from this side. He has the closest opportunity of becoming president in 2032,” he said.
He added pointedly that “We have supported Kikuyus for a long time. It is their time to support Kindiki.”
Ruku insisted that development in Mt Kenya speaks for itself, dismissing claims that dissatisfaction is rooted in stalled projects. Among the projects he cited was the ongoing dualling of the Makutano–Embu–Meru road, alongside other infrastructure, agricultural, and public service reforms.
“This is not about development. The government has delivered. What we are seeing is politics of personal interest disguised as concern for the people,” he stated.
Mwea MP Mary Maingi echoed Ruku’s sentiments, affirming the region’s loyalty to President William Ruto and Deputy President Kindiki.
“We are firmly behind the deputy president, Kithure Kindiki. As a region, we have agreed to support him until he becomes president in 2032,” Maingi said.
She issued a stern warning to the ODM party that there is no vacancy in the seat of the Deputy President. They should not even think about it.