Kindiki Remains President Ruto's Preferred Running Mate in 2027, Senator Mundigi Maintains

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Senator Mundigi dismissed the claims as “cheap propaganda,” amid intense lobbying from Western and Nyanza voting blocs within the Broad-based government who are eying the slot.

He maintained that Kindiki was still President Ruto’s preferred running mate in a move that resonates with Mt. Kenya East leaders who view Ruto-Kindiki presidential ticket as non-negotiable.

He told off the critics by reminding them that the President values Mt. Kenya Region and that is why he gave back the seat to one of their own following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. “President Ruto acknowledges the contribution of the region to his 2022 victory and cannot just take away the second in command position from the area just like that,” he stated, adding that the Ruto-Kindiki ticket was locked for 2027 polls.

Senator Mundigi said Kindiki had also proven that he was fit for the job for the period he had served as DP. He said Kindiki's performance as a dedicated, efficient and highly competent principal assistant to the president cements his place on the 2027 presidential ticket. “We are telling those eyeing the seat to hold their horses, maintaining that the current executive set up will continue in 2027 as we also plan to propel Kindiki to the presidency in 2032,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mundigi appealed to the region to stand firm behind Kindiki to build a formidable force that would make it impossible for him to be dropped without triggering a fallout.

He also appealed for the region to reject division politics in the region that he said would only serve to weaken its bargaining power ahead of 2027 general elections. “Our unity has been our strength for decades and fragmentation into small voting blocs would essentially mean that we surrender that leverage,” he stated.

Mundigi also criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of using inflammatory remarks against leaders from the Mt. Kenya region who have chosen to support President Ruto's administration.

The Embu county senator claimed that during his recent visit to Embu, Gachagua made disrespectful remarks against elected leaders aligned with the Kenya Kwanza government. Mundigi defended the leaders, saying every Kenyan has a constitutional right to support the political leader of their choice without intimidation or ridicule.