Narok County Senator Ledama Olekina has called out what he terms as premature and distracting political talk surrounding President William Ruto’s 2027 running mate choice, urging leaders to shift their focus to service delivery and national development.

Taking to his official X account on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the outspoken ODM senator slammed the growing debate around whether the deputy president, Kithure Kindiki, should be replaced as Ruto’s deputy in the next election, branding the discourse as “nonsense” that only serves to divide and derail progress.

“Enough with this nonsense about replacing Kindiki as Ruto’s running mate in 2027. How about you focus on building Kenya and delivering for the people instead? NKT,” Olekina posted.

He went on to commend Kindiki’s performance in the Interior docket, saying he was “doing his job and doing it damn well.”

According to Olekina, the energy being wasted on political succession battles would be better spent on solving the country’s real issues, from insecurity and unemployment to economic recovery.

Kindiki’s popularity

Olekina’s remarks come at a time when whispers of Kindiki becoming Ruto’s next running mate are gaining traction within Kenya Kwanza circles, especially after the deputy president’s steady handling of his duties, especially on the empowerment programs that are currently going on.

The statement has already threatened to ignite early succession wars, with leaders from Mount Kenya warning against any move that would sideline the region in 2027.

Ledama’s remarks added a new dimension to the discussion, offering a perspective from the opposition focused on national cohesion rather than partisan interests.

Unity

In the same thread, the senator praised the spirit of unity shown by the first three governors of Kenya’s coastal counties, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale, who recently came together to chart development strategies for their region.

He said their cooperation was a welcome contrast to the political noise and divisions being witnessed elsewhere in the country.

“While some individuals focus on creating divisions within our counties, the first three governors of the coastal counties — Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale — are uniting to strategise on ways to support and uplift their communities,” he noted.

Deliver

As Kenyans continue to face the daily brunt of a tough economy, high cost of living, and unmet promises, voices like Olekina are striking a chord a calling for leaders to shelve election calculations and prioritise the people.

His statement aligns with recent demands from the growing Gen Z movement in Kenya, which has been calling for greater transparency, inclusivity, and improved service delivery, free from ethnic bias or early political manoeuvring.