Embakasi North Member of Parliament (MP) James Gakuya has ignited fresh debate over the role of the Deputy President and the conduct of Cabinet Secretaries (CS’s) in the run-up to the 2027 General Election, criticising what he termed as sycophancy within President William Ruto’s administration.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Gakuya said Kenya needs a strong and independent Deputy President and Cabinet Secretaries capable of offering firm counsel to the Head of State, not one who merely rubber-stamps decisions.

“We need a Deputy President who is neither a flower girl nor a yes man. We need a DP who is firm and can stand up to Ruto, advising him in the right direction. Unfortunately, many of our cabinet officers are flower girls, and the one who really calls the shots is only President Ruto,” Gakuya said.

His remarks come at a time when Cabinet Secretaries and senior public officials are facing scrutiny over claimed involvement in partisan political campaigns, despite legal provisions requiring them to remain non-partisan while in office.

The controversy intensified after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi hosted a delegation of Luo elders at his office, even as the national budget-making process enters a critical phase.

The meeting focused on ODM party politics and the unity of the Luo community.

Mbadi later confirmed that he would continue advancing the interests of the Luo community and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) within the Kenya Kwanza administration.

During a press briefing in Nairobi on February 17, 2026, Mbadi acknowledged internal divisions within ODM, noting that the cracks predated the death of party leader Raila Odinga.

“I think the elders, first and foremost, are concerned about the unity of the Luo community, then the unity of ODM. And I will tell you that the things that you are seeing happening today did not start yesterday, they started when Raila was alive, although they were muted,” Mbadi stated.

He further addressed statements by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna opposing support for President Ruto’s 2027 bid.

“This talk of not supporting President William Ruto by SG of the party happened even when Raila was alive, only that it was muted… so it was not as loud,” Mbadi added.

Wandayi supports Ruto

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has also publicly declared his intention to campaign for President Ruto’s re-election in 2027.

Wandayi said some ODM members were committed to following what he described as the late Raila Odinga’s final political direction, to work with Ruto under the broad-based government arrangement.

“Before his death, Baba showed us the way and instructed us to work with Ruto. We will continue in it by working with Ruto until the last minute,” Wandayi stated.

“Some of us have decided that in the 2027 elections, we will support Ruto for his second term and move Kenya forward,” he added.

Governance vs campaign mode

Gakuya’s criticism adds to mounting concerns that sections of the Executive may already be in campaign mode, raising constitutional questions about the separation between public office and partisan politics.

Kenyan law bars public officers from engaging in political activity that compromises their neutrality.

The legislator argues that the use of government platforms to advance 2027 campaign messaging risks undermining public trust and institutional integrity.

As political realignments intensify within ODM and the Kenya Kwanza coalition, Gakuya’s call for a more assertive DP signals deeper anxieties within ruling ranks about governance, accountability, and the concentration of power around President Ruto.

With 2027 still over a year away, the battle lines appear to be forming early, not just between rival parties, but within the corridors of government itself.