Will He, Won’t He? Kindiki Dodges 2027 Presidential Question About Replacing Ruto
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has avoided confirming whether he will run for the presidency in 2027, should President William Ruto decide not to seek re-election.
Speaking from his office in Karen on Thursday, Kindiki described the question, asked by NTV’s Michelle Ngele, as unfair, stressing that his primary goal as Deputy President is to help the Kenya Kwanza government fulfill its promises to the people.
Kindiki expressed frustration over the question, stating that it was unreasonable given his new role. “I have just been entrusted with a serious national responsibility, and right now, my focus is on fulfilling those obligations,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to his current duties.
He further explained that publicly declaring an ambition to succeed President Ruto would undermine his suitability for the Deputy President role, suggesting it would signal a lack of focus on his current responsibilities. “If I were preoccupied with future ambitions, I would not be fit to serve in this office,” Kindiki remarked.
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KBC’s John Jacob Kioria, dissatisfied with Kindiki’s response, reworded Ngele’s question to inquire about any lessons Kindiki might have learned from observing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s fall from favor. Gachagua is the only Deputy President in Kenya’s history to have been impeached.
Kindiki avoided addressing this question directly, opting instead to defend his relationship with Gachagua, whom he referred to as a “brother and friend.” “Leadership is guided by principles, and I prefer not to speak ill of my brother Rigathi Gachagua. You won’t hear me speak negatively about him, either when he was in office or after,” Kindiki explained.
When asked whether his reluctance to criticize Gachagua was due to concerns over Mt. Kenya’s sentiment regarding Gachagua’s impeachment, Kindiki clarified that he does not need to undermine others to fulfill his duties. “I don’t need to antagonize anyone… for what?” he responded.
He also dismissed the idea that the Deputy President’s seat is cursed, despite the historical challenges faced by past officeholders. “I do not believe the seat is cursed. My focus is on the tasks I’ve been assigned, not on whether I will remain in this position,” Kindiki stated.
Will He, Won’t He? Kindiki Dodges 2027 Presidential Question About Replacing Ruto
