Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has criticised Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya over recent remarks regarding Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Thursday, July 30, Ruku urged Oparanya to focus on his Cabinet responsibilities, maintaining that Kindiki’s position as Deputy President was secure and dismissing suggestions that it could be threatened by political manoeuvres.
He also directed his remarks at ODM leaders, arguing that Kindiki’s supporters were equally capable of joining the party if doing so became necessary to protect the Deputy President’s political future.
CS Ruku fires back at Oparanya over DP position remarks. Photo: Courtesy.
Ruku’s comments come just days after he stated that the Mt Kenya East region would continue backing President William Ruto regardless of whether Kindiki is selected as his running mate in the 2027 General Election. He maintained that the choice of a running mate rests solely with the President.
Despite that position, Ruku has consistently expressed support for Kindiki’s retention as Deputy President, praising his performance in office and arguing that he has effectively served as President Ruto’s principal assistant.
He noted that Kindiki has demonstrated strong leadership and deserves to continue serving in the role beyond the next election.
Meanwhile, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently criticised Ruku over his calls to distinguish Mt Kenya East from the wider Mt Kenya region.
Speaking during a rally in Igembe Central, Gachagua accused the Cabinet Secretary of attempting to divide the region and insisted that Mt Kenya would remain politically united under one leadership.
