2027: If it’s not Gachagua, it’s Kindiki, say Mt Kenya East leaders
In a segment of Mount Kenya West political circles, there is a contention suggesting that Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro should take over the role of Deputy President from Rigathi Gachagu as President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 elections. Conversely, voices in Mount Kenya East have surfaced, reminding their counterparts that the position Gachagua held was originally intended for Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki.
The leaders, comprising professional associations, have expressed that they prefer not to involve Prof Kindiki in the current political power struggle in Mt Kenya West. However, they assert that if Gachagua were to be replaced in 2027, the suitable candidate for the position would be the CS.
They contend that President Ruto should also contemplate endorsing Prof Kindiki for the nation’s highest position in the year 2032.
The internal conflicts within Mt Kenya West have divided President Ruto’s followers into two groups: one supporting Mr. Gachagua and the other aligning with Mr. Nyoro.
During the funeral ceremony of Prof Kindiki’s father-in-law in Mukothima, Tharaka constituency, MPs from Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties, headed by Mpuru Aburi from Tigania East, expressed that the Cabinet Secretary was the most suitable candidate to take over from Dr. Ruto.
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Mr. Aburi praised Prof. Kindiki as an exceptional leader with a distinguished record in both his political career and role as CS. He expressed confidence that Prof. Kindiki is the ideal candidate to assume leadership from Ruto in the country.
“We have our regional leader, CS Prof Kindiki, whom I want to prophesy today that he will be the President of this country after Ruto completes his 10 years,” said Mr Aburi.
Chuka/Igambang’ombe Member of Parliament, Patrick Munene, urged the residents of the area to offer their prayers for Prof Kindiki, hoping that he will advance further in his political career as he is seen as a promising figure for the region.
“It is God who has helped Kindiki to move from Tharaka Nithi Senator to the current position of CS and that is how he will become President of this country,” said Mr Munene.
On the previous Saturday at Tharaka University, the Ameru Professionals Association, under the guidance of Tharaka University Vice Chancellor and the outgoing chairman Kinyua Muriungi, joined political figures in commending Prof Kindiki’s accomplishments. They urged President Ruto to extend his support to Prof Kindiki for the next decade.
“Ameru region professionals are happy with Prof Kindiki’s performance and we believe that Ruto will leave the country in the hands of the CS,” said Prof Muriungi.
Most sober
Prof Kindiki was acclaimed by experts as the most composed and industrious leader in the Mt Kenya area.
Addressing a church congregation in Tharaka North Sub-county on Sunday, Mr. Sabastian Mwangangi and other local leaders, including the unsuccessful Tharaka MP candidate, emphasized that should Dr. Ruto decide to choose a new running mate for his second-term bid, Prof. Kindiki would be the most suitable choice.
Mr. James Mutegi asserted that the political discord in Mt. Kenya West suggests that Mr. Gachagua failed to effectively unite all Kikuyu voters in support of President Ruto. He warned that if they run for re-election together, they might risk losing a significant portion of the votes from the Mt. Kenya region.
“We are watching what our brothers in Mt Kenya West are saying and in case of any change, Ruto should pick Kindiki and endorse him for the top seat in 2032 when he retires,” said Mr Mutegi.
Last week, a gathering of young politicians in Meru County convened a press briefing, asserting that although it was premature to delve into the politics of the 2027 elections, they endorsed Prof Kindiki as the ideal candidate for Vice President alongside President Ruto in his bid for re-election.
Critics criticized politicians from Mt Kenya West who support Mr. Nyoro, accusing them of being self-centered for proposing his replacement of Mr. Gachagua, especially considering they belong to the same community.
Mwea Member of Parliament Mary Maingi recently expressed the view that if there were to be a substitution in the deputy presidential candidate position in 2027, Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru, currently in her second term, would be the most suitable candidate for the role.
During the recent election, Prof Kindiki came close to securing the position of running mate to Mr. Gachagua. Dr. Ruto had to decide between the two candidates, ultimately choosing Mr. Gachagua for the role.
Politicians assisting Dr. Ruto in making a decision stated that the majority of the United Democratic Alliance party members favored Prof Kindiki. However, the Head of State opted for Mr. Gachagua, a decision that nearly caused a division within the camp during a crucial period.
Professor Kindiki, nonetheless, concurred with the verdict and took part in the elections as Dr. Ruto’s principal representative. Subsequently, he defended his superior’s triumph in the Supreme Court.
Research firms have consistently ranked Prof Kindiki as the top-performing Cabinet Secretary in Ruto’s administration on multiple occasions, surpassing his colleagues by a significant margin.
2027: If it’s not Gachagua, it’s Kindiki, say Mt Kenya East leaders
