Senior leaders allied to President William Ruto from the Mt Kenya region have rejected calls by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for a greater share of government, dismissing demands for the Deputy President’s position and throwing their weight behind Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The remarks came during a political gathering in Mwea, where the legislators accused ODM leaders of seeking positions despite joining the Kenya Kwanza administration through the broad-based political arrangement rather than the ballot.
Leading the charge were Igamba Ng’ombe MP Patrick Munene, Mwea MP Mary Maingi and Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari. The trio criticised National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo over remarks suggesting changes to the country’s power-sharing arrangement.
Munene argued that ODM had no basis for demanding what he described as an equal share of government or the office of the Deputy President.
“Junet Mohamed did not elect this government. He should not demand the DP seat. Let him focus on ODM,” Munene said.
He also pledged continued support for Kindiki, saying leaders from the region would stand behind him both in government and in future political contests.
“We the people supporting Kindiki have no fear. We will fight for him even in his 2032 presidential bid. Kindiki will be on the presidential ballot in 2032,” he said.
The leaders also dismissed claims by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua that he would determine the political direction of the Mt Kenya region ahead of future elections.
“Who is he? He should not direct his bitterness at us after he was impeached,” Munene said.
In Kirinyaga, Gitari defended Kindiki’s position in government, saying the Deputy President had not complained about his role. He also criticised Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku over remarks suggesting that the Mt Kenya region should be divided into separate political blocs.
“If we start splitting Mt Kenya, we will be doing the same way ODM is split into four. If he wants to join politics, he should resign as Cabinet Secretary,” Gitari said.
Maingi echoed those sentiments, insisting that Kindiki remained the region’s leading political figure. She maintained that Kirinyaga has historically been part of the Mt Kenya East bloc and rejected suggestions that the area had been politically sidelined.
The latest exchange reflects growing political tensions within Kenya’s broad-based government as leaders position themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle. While ODM leaders have publicly argued for greater influence within government following their cooperation with President Ruto’s administration, Kenya Kwanza allies maintain that key leadership positions should remain with those elected under the coalition’s original mandate.
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