Kipipiri MP hits out at Mt Kenya leaders for opposing ODM’s demand for DP position
By Mabonga Makhanu, February 15, 2026Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia has hit out at a section of Mount Kenya leaders allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) who have recently threatened to leave government if the Deputy President position is taken away from Kithure Kindiki.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, February 14, 2025, in Melili Ward, Narok North, during the homecoming ceremony of Democracy for Citizens (DCP) area aspirant Martin Ole Kamwaro, the Kipipiri MP dismissed the threats as empty.
Muhia told leaders warning of a walkout over the possible allocation of the deputy slot to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) that they would be walking out alone. According to her, the Mount Kenya region had already politically distanced itself from the current administration.
“I am here to tell our members from UDA who we saw yesterday crying all over in Murang’a and Thika that if Kindiki is removed, they will leave government with whom? Who are they walking out with? We already left that government. That is a government of ‘tumbo-crats’; they were only left there for their stomachs,” she said.
Muhia further stated that leaders from the opposition and those from the mountain aligned to DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua are now championing for the deputy seat to be allocated to ODM rather than to someone from their own region.
She argued that when they previously pushed for Mount Kenya interests, they were branded tribalists. As a result, she said, they have resolved not to fight for the position based on regional considerations.
The MP questioned why UDA leaders were surprised by ODM’s demands, saying it was clear from the onset that ODM would expect a significant share of government following its cooperation agreement with UDA.
“What did they expect when ODM came into government? ODM needed to be given a slot. Kindiki was an acting deputy president; he was there temporarily, and the time is over. He must step aside and let Oburu come in,” she claimed.
Muhia added that they would be comfortable if the position went to either Oburu Odinga or Gladys Wanga, insisting that their camp no longer wants to be accused of tribal politics.
ODM’s demands
Her remarks come amid uproar from Mount Kenya leaders, including Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who have threatened to bolt out of government should the deputy slot be handed to ODM.
The tension escalated further after ODM leaders declared that the party would settle for nothing less than the Deputy President position, a stance that angered several Mount Kenya MPs led by John Kawanjiku, who said that the deputy president slot is not negotiable.
He told ODM to stop the threats and made it clear that his position as deputy president is not up for negotiation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kindiki addressed the political noise directly.
“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 saana. We know we talk at the right time,” he said.