National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has endorsed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Buuri, Meru County, Ichung’wah called on voters from Mt Kenya West and East to unite behind the two leaders, while criticising former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for opposing the Ruto administration.
“We are not saying we want two-term for Ruto for nothing. It is because of the development we have witnessed and want to be escalated,” Mr Ichung’wah said.
He urged residents to support the Ruto-Kindiki ticket, saying unity in the region was necessary ahead of the 2027 election.
“As Mt Kenya West, we want to unite with you and push for Kindiki and Ruto,” he said.
Ichung’wah was accompanied by Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi and Gideon Kimathi, the Head of Protocol in the Deputy President’s office. He accused Mr Gachagua of campaigning against President Ruto and Prof Kindiki.
“We must be leaders who push agendas and vision of transformation, in moving our country forward,” he said.
The endorsement comes as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) steps up its demand for the Deputy President’s position in the political arrangement with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 election.
ODM has said it expects to produce Ruto’s running mate if the two parties agree on an electoral coalition.
“Since Ruto is on UDA vying for president in 2027, ODM will produce the Deputy President,” Kisii Governor and ODM deputy party leader Simba Arati said last month.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has also said the running mate position is central to ODM’s continued political arrangement with UDA.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga has similarly said the party will support Ruto’s bid for a second term, but that other positions, including the Deputy President’s position, remain open for negotiations.
“Can I not be number two?” Oburu asked during a public engagement, indicating his interest in the position.
ODM has also been associated with several possible candidates for the slot, including Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
The contest has drawn a firm response from Prof Kindiki, who has said the position he occupies is not vacant.
“Those who are looking for a seat should know the position of Deputy President is not vacant. Someone is already occupying it on behalf of the people of Kenya,” Prof Kindiki said at a gathering in Embu.
He later told ODM leaders that he intended to remain Ruto’s running mate in 2027.
“I’m very tough and they can't dislodge me from my seat,” Prof Kindiki said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has also publicly backed the possibility of a Ruto-Kindiki ticket.
Addressing Prof Kindiki during a Kenya Prisons Service event in Ruiru, Murkomen told him that President Ruto would begin a second term “together with you”.
Ichung’wah’s endorsement now adds another senior Kenya Kwanza voice to the campaign for Prof Kindiki to retain the position.
The Majority Leader’s remarks came as political parties and leaders continue preparations for the 2027 General Election, with UDA and ODM holding discussions on their political cooperation and a possible joint electoral arrangement.
