A section of Mt Kenya leaders allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have warned they will walk out of the broad-based government if any attempts are made to strip Kithure Kindiki of the Deputy President position.
The leaders, led by Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, declared the position non-negotiable, insisting that Mt Kenya will not accept any arrangement that sidelines Kindiki.
Speaking on Friday, Njuki stated that if political realignments require the Deputy President to come from another party, including the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), their only compromise would be for Kindiki to join that party but not relinquish the seat.
“The deputy president position is non-negotiable,” Njuki said.
Kiambaa MP John Kawanjiku echoed the sentiments during a forum in Thika, warning that any move to “touch Kindiki” would trigger their exit from both the broad-based arrangement and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a also backed the stance, maintaining that the region stands firmly behind Kindiki.
At the same time, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku cautioned ODM leaders against pushing for the deputy president slot in the 2027 political equation.
Ruku maintained that Kindiki will not be shortchanged and said the position will not be vacant, adding that the current Deputy President is expected to serve through to 2032.
His remarks come amid growing political debate after ODM leaders signalled interest in the deputy president position, saying the party would settle for nothing less.
The unfolding standoff signals fresh political undercurrents within the broad-based arrangement, with Mt Kenya leaders drawing a clear red line around the Deputy President’s office.
 have warned they will walk out of the broad-based government if any attempts are made to strip Kithure Kindiki of the Deputy President position.){kind=link}