Kenya: Kindiki Declares Ruto Running Mate Slot 'Untouchable'

What the report says

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed speculation about the race for President William Ruto’s running mate position, saying the slot is effectively secured and will not be taken from him. According to Capital FM’s report carried by AllAfrica, Kindiki made the remarks during an address to residents at his Irunduni home in Tharaka, where he said recent political interest in the position was normal but did not threaten his standing.

The report says Kindiki argued that his performance as deputy president had already strengthened his claim. Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara backed that view, saying Kindiki had done well in office and was the most preferred choice for the role, citing unspecified scientific research. The two urged supporters to rally behind the deputy president as he faces what the article described as a modest challenge for the ticket.

Kindiki also used the event to highlight government development work in Tharaka Nithi County. He listed road projects under way in the constituency and in nearby areas, including Chuka-Igamba Ng’ombe and Maara, and said the national government is building 600 modern markets across Kenya’s 47 counties. The report places the comments in the context of early political positioning ahead of next year’s election cycle, while broader background suggests that deputy president selections often become a major test of coalition unity and regional support.