Speaking during an interview with Inooro FM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Kiunjuri said any attempt to remove Kindiki from the 2027 equation could have significant political consequences for Ruto, particularly in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
Kiunjuri said he would lobby President Ruto to retain Kindiki as his running mate, insisting that the Deputy President position should remain with Mt Kenya as the region negotiates its political interests ahead of the 2027 polls.
“If they try to touch the position of Kithure Kindiki, I will do away with them. If the slot of Deputy President won't be from Mt Kenya, I will not support the Kenya Kwanza administration,” Kiunjuri said.
Kiunjuri defends Kindiki’s position
The TSP leader maintained that Mt Kenya could not afford to surrender the Deputy President position after playing a significant role in Ruto’s election in 2022.
Kiunjuri argued that the region should define its political interests early and establish minimum demands ahead of the 2027 election.
He said the Deputy President position should be treated as a key priority for Mt Kenya and should not be included in negotiations with other regions.
“We must know what belongs to Mount Kenya ahead of 2027. Already, the opposition is negotiating, and thus we should also set a bare minimum, but the slot of the Deputy President isn’t negotiable,” he said.
According to Kiunjuri, retaining Kindiki would help safeguard the political interests of Mt Kenya within the Kenya Kwanza administration and maintain the region’s influence in the government.
Battle for Ruto’s 2027 running mate
Kiunjuri’s remarks come amid growing speculation and competition among Kenya Kwanza allies over who will deputise Ruto in the 2027 presidential contest.
Political leaders from various regions have increasingly begun positioning themselves and their communities for influential roles in a possible second Ruto administration.
The running mate question has consequently emerged as a key issue within Kenya Kwanza, with regional interests expected to play a significant role in negotiations ahead of the 2027 polls.
Kiunjuri’s warning signals the potential political pressure Ruto could face from Mt Kenya leaders if he opts to change his running mate ahead of the election.
For now, Kindiki remains a central figure in the administration, but the contest over Ruto’s 2027 ticket is expected to intensify as political parties and regional leaders begin consolidating their positions.
