As things currently stand, President William Ruto faces a difficult task in retaining Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as his running mate in the 2027 general elections.

Kindiki assumed office during a turbulent period following the ouster of his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached on various grounds.

He had been a frontrunner in 2022 when the president was at a crossroads over whom to pick as his deputy. At the time, Kindiki was reported to have attracted more support than Gachagua in the race for the position, but Ruto eventually settled on Gachagua.

By 2027, Kindiki will have served for only two and a half years, like his predecessor, and the short tenure now places him at a disadvantage with the odds stacked against him.

Current hostility in the mountain

Mount Kenya, a traditionally vote-rich region, has turned hostile towards the president and his allies following Gachagua’s impeachment.

The hostility has also been directed at Kindiki, who was appointed to replace Gachagua, making it difficult for Ruto to count on the region for a running mate.

 The political landscape in the mountains has shifted sharply, with the majority appearing to rally behind Gachagua, as seen from the reception accorded to Ruto’s allies.

A running mate is typically expected to deliver a significant voting bloc or come from a region firmly behind the candidate. Kindiki, despite being the top-ranking government official from Mount Kenya, has not consolidated support in the region. This makes it harder for him to be considered as a viable running mate for Ruto.

Nyanza factor

Other regions such as North Eastern and Nyanza, have embraced the president more openly, giving him overwhelming receptions during his visits. This may push Ruto to look to these regions when choosing a running mate.

Western Kenya and the Coast also remain open to political persuasion and are likely to rally behind any candidate who selects a running mate from their regions.

This dynamic places Mount Kenya at a disadvantage, as the region appears to have already made up its mind and grown weary of the current administration, further cornering Kindiki.

The entry of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into government has also disrupted the political arithmetic and reduced Kindiki’s chances of retaining the deputy president’s post after 2027.

ODM is not expected to settle for anything less than the Deputy President slot. There have even been suggestions that Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga could be fronted for the position, given the strong support base ODM commands.

This possibility has drawn strong reactions from some quarters, with Saboti MP Caleb Amisi stating that ODM cannot go through intense political battles only for Wanga to be considered for the post.

Nevertheless, with ODM’s influence growing within government, Kindiki’s chances of retaining the deputy president position appear increasingly slim.

conclusion

As the political realignments gather pace ahead of 2027, President Ruto is under pressure to craft a ticket that can secure the widest possible support.

 With the Mount Kenya region appearing unsettled, ODM pushing hard for the Deputy President slot, and other regions eyeing greater influence, Kithure Kindiki faces an uphill battle to keep his position.

Unless he can quickly consolidate a strong support base and reverse the growing hostility in his backyard, the choice of running mate could prove to be one of Ruto’s most difficult political decisions yet.