Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku says talks over the Deputy President seat will not happen ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election. He rejected claims that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is lining up for the post.
Ruku spoke during an event in Embu on February 13, 2026. Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire attended the function.
Deputy President seat remains with Kindiki, Ruku says
Ruku said Deputy President Kithure Kindiki will stay in office through the next election. He added that Kindiki will serve in the role up to 2032.
Ruku addressed remarks by ODM leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga. Oburu said ODM would push for the deputy presidency in talks linked to the broad-based government arrangement ahead of 2027.
Ruku said leaders in the Mt Kenya region back the current cooperation in government. He said they want to focus on service delivery, not bargaining over positions.
Ruku sets 2032 as the next opening for ODM
Ruku told ODM to wait until 2032 if it wants the Deputy President seat. He said the current power-sharing plan does not include changes to the deputy slot before 2027.
He also linked 2032 to a future scenario in which Kindiki would seek the presidency. Ruku said leaders could then consider an ODM figure for deputy.
Oburu says ODM will pursue the deputy role
Oburu spoke on February 12 during an ODM delegates meeting in Mombasa. He said the party was targeting the Deputy President seat in discussions with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He argued that ODM’s national support gives it grounds to demand a senior role in any coalition.
Earlier comments to Kindiki add to the dispute
Oburu had earlier told Kindiki that ODM did not want his job. He made that statement in Kisumu County during the disbursement of NYOTA funds, where he described Kindiki as a friend.
The exchange has exposed friction inside the broad-based government, with Ruku insisting that the Deputy President seat will not feature in negotiations before the 2027 election.
