Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has drawn a clear line on the debate over his seat, reminding Kenyans that some of the country’s most respected leaders also served as deputies before rising to higher office.

He spoke during Easter lunch with neighbours on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at his Îrunduni home in Tharaka Nithi County.

“Do you know that a man called Moi was Vice President under Kenyatta? Was he being sent by Kenyatta? Did he make it? A man called Mwai Kibaki, whom we much loved, was also Vice President. Did he make it? Did he become president? Even a man called William Ruto, who was Uhuru Kenyatta’s deputy. Did he get it?” Kindiki asked.

He questioned those calling for political shifts and warned against confusion.

“So do you want me to get confused? I start speaking things that are not understandable. Like the man who was chased away after speaking things not understandable? Now he is going up and down like a madman. I will drink him very fast,” he said.

“How many terms for William Ruto? Those who are far haven’t heard; you say how many terms? Kalonzo hasn’t heard; how many terms? Rigathi hasn’t heard; how many terms? Matiang’i hasn’t heard. How many terms? Should I keep helping him at work? This way, that way. When he sends me, I go. When he tells me to go do this, I do. Or, I refuse?” he added.

Deputy seat under fire

The remarks come amid repeated attempts by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to position itself for the Deputy President slot in the 2027 elections. Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku has strongly defended Kindiki, saying the seat is not vacant and belongs firmly to him.

“You, ODM, leave the DP seat alone; it belongs to Kindiki until 2032, when Kindiki will vie for president,” Ruku said in February. He added that negotiations with ODM on presidential ambitions could take place at the appropriate time, but not before.

Ruku and other Mt. Kenya leaders have described ODM’s claims as unnecessary provocation. “President William Ruto and his Deputy President Kithure Kindiki are working well and focused on the development of our country. If it is working, don’t fix it,” Ruku said.

Local leaders have echoed the Cabinet Secretary’s message. Maragua MP Mary Wamaua Waithera said the deputy president’s seat is non-negotiable. Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki and Kiambaa MP Njuguna Kawanjiku also described ODM’s demands as unrealistic, highlighting the government’s broad-based arrangement and parliamentary support.

Kindiki himself has consistently dismissed rumours about attempts to unseat him. Speaking at a rally in Meru County in February, he told supporters:

“Niseme nisiseme! Ati nimesikia kuna watu wameleta wasiwasi huku, ati wanasema iko maneno ya wasiwasi. Mimi nataka kuwaambia mrelax. Na msiletewe wasiwasi na mambo madogo madogo.”

He reiterated his role clearly:

“Mimi ndio deputy president wa Kenya. Na hii kiti hakuna mahali kinaenda. Na tukitoka hapa, hakuna kurudi nyuma, ni kusonga mbele.”