- Debate continues to rage over the possibility of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki becoming President William Ruto’s running mate in 2027, with critics questioning his political influence
- Lawyer Ahmednassir Abdullahi says that Kenyan presidential politics needs a deputy who can provide millions of tribal votes
- Without a strong base of support, as Ahmednassir says, Kindiki risks being seen as a liability to Ruto’s re-election bid.
Question from the Deputy President Kithur Kindiki being a potential running mate of President William Ruto continues to contribute to political debates in the country.
Source: Getty Images
Kindiki came into the presidency in the middle of Ruto’s term, following the ouster of the former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua in October 2024.
Although he holds the post of vice president, Kindiki’s political ability has long been scrutinized.
He is considered a quiet political figure, despite his professorial status and his accomplished legal career.
Can Kindiki ensure Ruto’s vote basket is full?
Lawyer Ahmednassir Abudallahi says that Kindiki may not have the influence that Kenyans recognize in successful politicians.
According to him, the position of co-presidential candidate is given to the candidate who can gather votes in their millions from their ethnic base, at least considering the previous elections.
He suggested that while a person may have strong technological leanings, their ability to mobilize votes is the key factor in their entire equation.
Ahmednassir saw that as things stand politically, Kindiki cannot mobilize even a quarter of the votes that would make the presidential candidate win.
He noted that the former president Uhuru Kenyatta he chose Ruto as his running mate in the 2013 and 2017 general elections because Ruto had proven to be a motivator in his backyard, just like Ruto and Gachagua in 2022.
Source: Twitter
As for Kindiki, he does not have a self-identified stronghold, where his boss can find the right support, according to Ahmednassir.
For the foregoing, the deputy president may be Ruto’s liability for re-election if the president chooses to retain him as his running mate in next year’s election.
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“The golden rule of presidential election politics in Kenya is that a running mate MUST bring or be tabled at least 2.5 million votes…from the men/women of his tribe. William Ruto did it in 2012 and 2017. Gachagua did it in 2022. Professor Kithure Kindiki cannot do it in 2027. The truth is!” said Ahmednassir through the X social network.
Ahmednasir’s comments come as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) opposes the post of deputy president, which it has been demanding as a minimum if Ruto wants to cooperate with the party.
How Raila Odinga is building the foundation for Ruto’s cooperation with ODM
Led by party leader Oburu Oginga, a section of ODM supporters complain that they would pressure 50% of the government if they support Ruto’s bid for re-election.
All this is due to the late former ODM leader Raila Odingawho, before his death last October, had hinted at the possibility of signing a pre-election pact with Ruto.
On several occasions, Raila defended his decision to partner with Ruto, saying it was necessary to avoid an impending political crisis caused by youth unrest.
He would dismiss critics who want Ruto removed from power in 2027, insisting that the real test is at the ballot box, not through political rhetoric.
To cement the agreement, Raila revealed plans for a joint meeting of the UDA-ODM parliamentary group to advance their agreed agenda, expressing confidence that the alliance will deliver results and silence doubters ahead of the next election.
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