- Mt Kenya leaders in the broad-based government have rejected ODM’s push for the Deputy President’s seat.
- They insist the position currently held by Kithure Kindiki is not open for talks.
- Some leaders have threatened to exit the coalition if ODM presses the demand.
- Oburu Oginga recently said ODM is eyeing the post in future coalition negotiations.
Leaders from the Mt Kenya region allied to the broad-based government have firmly opposed calls by the Orange Democratic Movement to claim the Deputy President’s position.
The leaders say the office, currently occupied by Kithure Kindiki, is not up for discussion under any coalition arrangement.
The tension began after Oburu Oginga publicly stated in Mombasa that ODM would be interested in taking up the Deputy President’s seat in any future agreement with the United Democratic Alliance.
His comments immediately drew strong reactions from leaders seen as close allies of Kindiki.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki dismissed the proposal, saying the Deputy President’s office cannot be part of any bargaining.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku echoed the same position. He suggested that if ODM wants to discuss the seat, it can only be after Kindiki rises to the presidency in future.
Several lawmakers went further, warning that continued pressure from ODM could push them to reconsider their place in the broad-based government.
Kiambaa MP Njuguna Kawanjiku made it clear that the number two seat is a red line. His Thika counterpart Alice Ng’ang’a insisted that Kindiki remains Deputy President “day and night,” stressing that the matter is settled.
In Laikipia East, MP Mwangi Kiunjuri used a metaphor to describe the seat as already taken, warning against attempts to “chase” what belongs to someone else.
Imenti Central lawmaker Kirima Nguchine questioned why ODM would expect to take a seat that is already occupied.
In a lighter but pointed remark, Governor Njuki suggested that if ODM insists on keeping the Deputy President’s seat within the coalition, they could “take” Kindiki himself into their party.
The comment drew laughter but underlined the seriousness of the resistance from the region.
The open disagreement signals possible friction within the broad-based arrangement.
With political realignments already taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections, the contest over key positions could test the unity between ODM and UDA.
For now, Mt Kenya leaders have made their position clear: the Deputy President’s office is not part of any deal.
