Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi has dismissed political speculations that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was being edged out of the 2027 presidential race following online claims that he had been stripped of key cabinet roles.
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.
Mundigi maintained that Kindiki was still President Ruto’s preferred running mate, saying this resonates with Mt. Kenya East regional leaders who view the Ruto-Kindiki presidential ticket as non-negotiable.
He told off the critics by reminding them that the president values the 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.
Speaking at St. Peter’s Machang’a Mixed Secondary School in Mbeere South Constituency, where he donated a water tank and a TV set to the school on Tuesday, 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; the current executive setup 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 to the region to reject division, as it would only serve to weaken its bargaining power ahead of the 2027 general election. “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 senator claimed that during his recent visit to Embu County, 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.
By Samuel Waititu
