Kenya: Mudavadi Dismisses Political Talk Over Kindiki's DP Position

What the report says

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has moved to calm political debate over Kenya’s deputy president position, saying the office is not vacant and that Professor Kithure Kindiki remains in place as appointed by President William Ruto. The remarks, reported by Capital FM and carried by AllAfrica, were made during a visit to Tharaka Nithi County headquarters.

Mudavadi said Kindiki has been helping the President carry out government duties and argued that the administration should continue working with him rather than focus on succession talk. He framed the matter as one of respecting the President’s decision and maintaining stable governance.

His comments came shortly after Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya reportedly led a Western Kenya leaders’ meeting that called for Mudavadi to be considered for the deputy president role if Ruto wins a second term after the 2027 election. Mudavadi downplayed such speculation, saying politicians will keep making statements, but urged Kenyans not to be distracted.

The issue matters because it reflects continuing jockeying within Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the next election cycle, even as the current government seeks to project unity. Separately, as reported by Capital FM, Mudavadi suggested the President is focused on moving forward rather than worrying about political maneuvering behind him.