Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku has declared their willingness to decamp to ODM if that is what it takes to safeguard Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s position in 2027.
Speaking at Ontulili in Buuri Constituency on Friday, Ruku did not mince his words, directly confronting what he termed as a calculated scheme by ODM operatives to dislodge his Meru kinsman from the second most powerful office in the land.
“If it is joining ODM, we are ready to be in that party for Kithure Kindiki to be the Deputy President so that we continue supporting President William Ruto…if it is joining ODM we are ready to join that party,” Ruku declared, his remarks drawing thunderous applause from the charged crowd.
The CS singled out his Cabinet colleague Wycliffe Oparanya and other ODM luminaries, accusing them of orchestrating a sustained campaign through public pronouncements aimed at creating the impression that Kindiki’s slot is up for grabs.
Ruku’s broadside comes barely days after ODM deputy party leader Simba Arati laid down what many political observers have interpreted as an ultimatum to the UDA establishment.
Speaking with the characteristic bluntness that has become his trademark, Arati made it clear that ODM would only relinquish the running mate slot under two scenarios. If President Ruto opts to fly the ODM flag in 2027, or if Kindiki himself crosses over to the Orange party.
“Lazima, unless Mheshimiwa Ruto aamue asiwe candidate wa UDA akuwe wa ODM ndio tunaweza waachia deputy ama Kindiki aamue awachane na mambo ya UDA aingie ODM ndio tunaweza achia yeye deputy. Lakini as long as wote ni UDA mmoja, lazima atabaki mwingine tutaenda na yeye,” Arati had declared, effectively serving notice that ODM intends to claim its pound of flesh from the political marriage of convenience.
For Ruku and the Mt Kenya East political establishment, Kindiki’s retention as Deputy President is non-negotiable, a matter they are prepared to go to the wire for, even if it means abandoning their UDA home.
