Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has announced that Mount Kenya East will support President William Ruto in the 2027 general election even if Kithure Kindiki is not picked as his running mate.

Speaking in an interview with a local TV station on Monday, July 27, 2026, Ruku said it is President Ruto’s prerogative to choose his running mate for 2027.

“We will continue supporting President William Ruto even if Kindiki is not picked; it is the prerogative of the Head of State to choose his running mate,” Ruku said.

Support for Kindiki

The outspoken Public Service CS, however, said he is supporting Kindiki to be Ruto’s running mate in next year’s election.

CS Ruku has argued that Kindiki has performed well as President Ruto’s personal assistant and deserves to continue serving as his deputy president beyond 2027.

“I support Kithure Kindiki to continue being the Deputy President because he has performed very well as President Ruto’s principal assistant,” Ruku said.

“He has outperformed himself as Deputy President, and I think he is suited to be the next Deputy President from 2027 to 2032. You don’t fix what is working,” Ruku added.

Junet endorses Oparanya

The statement from the CS comes a day after a section of ODM leaders endorsed Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya to be President Ruto’s running mate in 2027.

Speaking on Sunday, July 2026, Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed noted that ODM and UDA will enter into a coalition agreement with Ruto being the flag bearer while ODM will have the running mate.

“We are going to unite and form the 2027 government with President William Ruto. If UDA produces the presidential candidate, ODM wants the deputy president’s position, and the person best suited for it is Wycliffe Oparanya,” Junet said.

Gachagua says Kindiki is mistreated

Meanwhile, the DCP party leader and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has stated that Kindiki is being mistreated by the Head of State.

Speaking on Sunday, July 26, 2026, during an interview with Mount Kenya East media outlets, Gachagua said he knows what Kindiki is going through since he also experienced the same before he was removed from office.

“Our son from Tharaka is suffering. I know exactly what he is going through because I have been through it myself. I was very stubborn; no one could insult me,” Gachagua said.