Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has declared that removing him from office would be “impossible”, as political debate over the future of the position intensifies ahead of Kenya’s 2027 elections.
Speaking on Friday at an event for United Democratic Alliance polling-centre officials in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kindiki drew a comparison with President William Ruto’s time as deputy president under retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Kindiki recalled how President Ruto remained in office despite the political fallout between the two leaders towards the end of their partnership.
“Unajua huyu rais wetu hapo mwisho mwisho alikosana na boss wake, lakini walijaribu kumtoa William Ruto, wakashindwa. Tulikaza msimamo mpaka mwisho,” Kindiki said.
He was referring to efforts to remove Ruto from his position as deputy president during his strained relationship with Mr Kenyatta. Ruto completed his first and only term as deputy president before winning the presidency in 2022.
Kindiki then appeared to take a swipe at his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, who was removed from the deputy presidency through an impeachment process in 2024.
“Wale waliofukuzwa ni watu kidogo kidogo. Deputy President unafukuzwa Kenya ukiwa wapi? It’s impossible,” he said.
His remarks come as political parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with the deputy president’s position emerging as an issue in discussions over possible political alliances.
But Kindiki’s claim that a deputy president cannot be removed does not reflect the Constitution. Article 150 provides for the removal of a deputy president on grounds of physical or mental incapacity, or through impeachment for reasons including gross violations of the Constitution or other laws, suspected crimes or gross misconduct.
Gachagua’s removal in 2024 demonstrated that the constitutional process can be used. He was impeached after the National Assembly and Senate considered allegations brought against him.
Kindiki’s comments therefore appear to be political rather than a statement of the legal position governing the office.
The deputy president has continued to defend his position as political competition around the 2027 election gathers pace. His comments in Tharaka-Nithi add to a growing contest over alliances, succession and the balance of power within President Ruto’s political camp.
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