Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire have strongly dismissed calls by ODM leader Dr. Oburu Oginga for a deputy president slot, terming the remarks provocative and unnecessary. The two leaders insisted that the position is not vacant and urged political figures to focus on unity and development instead of divisive politics.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving service at Kanthoki Full Gospel Church in Evurore Ward, Mbeere North, Ruku criticized Dr. Oginga for repeatedly making statements about the deputy presidency. He said such remarks were disrespectful and intended to stir political tension.
“Jameni mnatukera. Mnatukera. Mweshimiwa Oburu unatu kera. Ulisema ukiwa pale Mombasa tukasikia. Kwa nini urudie tena na tena? Wacha kukera sisi,” Ruku said. “It is not vacant. Iko na mtu ambaye anajua kufanya kazi yake. Iko na mtu ambaye amesaidia Rais wa Kenya. Serikali ya Kenya imetulia, mipango ya Kenya inaendelea vizuri, pesa imepatikana. Kwa nini wewe, Oburu, uendelee kukera sisi?”
Ruku reaffirmed that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki enjoys the full confidence of President William Ruto and continues to play a key role in implementing the government’s development agenda.
“Tumesikia usiendelee kurudia tena. Ju umerudia mara nyingi. Wacha kukera sisi. Professor Kithure Kindiki ako na wafuasi wake wengi kutoka Kiambu, Nyandarua, Embu, Pwani, Western, na Nyanza. Kwa hivyo kama kuna kiti unataka, tafadhali Oburu na chama cha ODM, wacha kurudia maneno hayo tena,” he added.
Governor Mbarire echoed Ruku’s sentiments, praising Kindiki’s leadership and his contribution to development projects in the Mt. Kenya East region. She urged local leaders to rally behind the deputy president and avoid being drawn into unnecessary political disputes.
“Deputy President Kindiki has been instrumental in driving key government programs in our region. We must support him and the President to deliver on their promises instead of engaging in divisive talk,” Mbarire said.
Ruku’s remarks come days after Deputy President Kindiki himself dismissed claims that his position was under threat. Speaking at a rally in Meru County on February 15, Kindiki urged his supporters to ignore rumours about attempts to unseat him ahead of the 2027 general election, assuring them that he remains firmly focused on serving the nation.
The latest exchange underscores growing political tension as leaders position themselves ahead of the next election cycle, even as the government calls for unity and continued focus on development.
