Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri has declared that the Mount Kenya region will push to retain the Deputy President’s seat in the 2027 General Election, insisting the position is tied to the region’s voting strength.
Speaking during a morning interview, Kiunjuri said Mount Kenya’s support for President William Ruto in 2027 will come with expectations. According to him, the region is projecting more than 1.5 million votes, which he argued gives it leverage in determining who occupies the second-highest office.
He described the matter as one of political “shareholding”, saying leadership positions must reflect what each region brings to the table in terms of numbers.
The MP’s remarks come amid growing debate over the future of the Deputy President’s seat, especially as coalition talks begin to take shape ahead of the next election cycle.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has also backed the call, maintaining that leaders allied to the region will not relinquish the slot. She reaffirmed support for Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, describing him as central to the region’s place in national governance and a key figure going into 2027.
Mount Kenya leaders have in recent weeks closed ranks to defend the status quo, arguing that opening up the seat for negotiations would weaken the region’s bargaining power within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and its allied formations.
The debate has intensified following signals from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) that it may push for the Deputy President slot in any future coalition arrangement. ODM leader Oburu Odinga has indicated that the party will negotiate firmly should formal talks take place.
The position has drawn sharp reactions from some government figures, including Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who warned against creating unnecessary tension within the current broad-based arrangement.
Amid the political noise, Kindiki has sought to cool temperatures, stating he remains focused on development work rather than succession politics. His remarks reinforce the growing sentiment within Mount Kenya that retaining the Deputy President’s seat is
