Deputy President (DP) Kithure Kindiki has told Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders and supporters that the government has space for everyone, even as tension continues to flare over the DP position in the broad-based deal.

Speaking on Friday, February 27, 2026, in Homa Bay County, Kindiki assured leaders that the arrangement was not meant to fight anyone or exclude any group, but instead meant to bring all communities together.

“Do not worry about anything. This broad-based government will be enough for all of us. Do not have fear or be afraid of anything. It is not about one against the other,” Kindiki said.

“All of us can have a place in the broad-based government because there are enough spaces for all the people of Kenya. All the communities of Kenya can have a stake in the government,” the second in command added.

Kindiki observed that the Nyanza region was tired of being in the opposition, adding that for many years, the region had largely played the role of opposition politics, but the political landscape had now changed.

According to him, leaders and residents from the region are seeking development and direct involvement in national decision-making.

“The opposition role was previously for the Nyanza region, but this time round, they have said they are tired of it, let others do it. They want to be in the government because they want good roads and electricity,” the DP stated.

His remarks come at a time when political temperatures remain high over speculation surrounding the deputy president position, with reports indicating that the ODM party is seeking the same post in the broad-based arrangement as a 2027 pre-election bargain pact.

The latest development comes hardly two weeks after ODM party leader Oburu Odinga made a sudden U-turn on the party’s ambitions to aim for the deputy president’s position in the 2027 general election.

Speaking during a party meeting in Mombasa, Oburu insisted that the party harbours no bad blood with Kindiki, but the quest for the DP role was not off the table.

“The Deputy President’s seat is the one we are targeting the most. What I said was that we have no personal animosity towards the Deputy President, but his seat is a public seat,” he said.

Kindiki’s allies tell off ODM

However, leaders from the Mount Kenya region have declared that the deputy president’s position is not up for negotiation.

Duncan Maina, the Nyeri Town Member of Parliament, said the region remains firmly within President William Samoei Ruto’s government and insisted the running mate position belongs to Mount Kenya.

“The deputy president’s seat is in the Mount Kenya region. Those who talk, we announce to you that even if you come for talks, the deputy president’s position and Ruto’s running mate are not vacant,” Maina said.

He emphasised that the region is fully part of the current administration and has no intention of shifting its political allegiance.

“We are neither on the left side nor the right side; we are in the middle of this government, and we will continue to stay there,” he added.

At the same time, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programs, Geoffrey Ruku, warned ODM to keep off the seat.

Ruku declared that the position currently held by Kindiki is politically and historically anchored in the Mt Kenya region and is not up for discussion.

“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.