Mungatana explains why Mbadi won’t deputise Ruto amid ODM push
By Aloys Michael, March 26, 2026A fresh political storm is brewing within the broad-based government as Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana dismisses growing calls to consider Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi as Deputy President under William Ruto in the 2027 polls.
Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Thursday, March 26, 2026, Mungatana pushed back against pressure from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which is lobbying for the deputy presidency as part of a potential 2027 pre-election pact with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Mungatana addressed recent remarks by President Ruto praising Mbadi’s performance at the National Treasury, clarifying that such commendation should not be misinterpreted as a sign of succession planning.
“The fact that the President is praising Honourable Mbadi does not mean that he wants him to be a deputy president,” Mungatana said.
He compared the situation to other professions, noting that excellence in one role does not automatically qualify someone for political leadership.
“You could be a very famous radio presenter, but you will not be elected as an MCA. Performance in one area does not translate to suitability in another,” he added.
UDA backs Kindiki?
Mungatana was unequivocal in backing the current Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, insisting that UDA leaders remain firmly behind him despite ODM’s ambitions.
“We are firmly behind Professor Kindiki, and there should be no doubt. We are going to fight for Kindiki to stay as Deputy President,” he stated.
His remarks signal a growing resistance within UDA against any arrangement that would see ODM secure the influential deputy presidency slot ahead of the next general election.
In a key part of his argument, Mungatana emphasised that the role of Deputy President goes beyond technical competence or performance in government.
“The deputy presidency is not just about the ability to deliver. It is also about personal ‘rhyming’, chemistry,” he explained.
According to the senator, political trust and shared history between leaders are critical factors.
“There is a likelihood of me working with a person with whom we were in the trenches together than a person we have not struggled together,” he said.
He added that the relationship between a president and deputy must be built on deep trust.
“You want a person that when you leave office, that person just carries on, someone you trust fully.”
ODM push intensifies
Mungatana’s remarks come as ODM ramps up its demands in ongoing political negotiations. Mbadi recently declared that the Nyanza region must produce the next president after Ruto completes his term, signalling heightened political ambitions within the party.
“When Ruto is exiting, this region must produce the next president of Kenya,” Mbadi said during a church service in Kasipul Kabondo.
However, Mungatana’s comments show UDA allies’ reluctance to relinquish such a key position.
For instance, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programs, Geoffrey Ruku, issued a bold warning to the ODM to keep off the DP 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 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.