The Service Party (TSP) leader Mwangi Kiunjuri has warned President William Ruto that he will withdraw his support for the Kenya Kwanza administration if Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is dropped as Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election.
Kiunjuri said he would lobby Ruto to retain Kindiki, arguing that the Deputy President position should remain with Mt Kenya as the region prepares to negotiate its political interests ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking during an interview with Inooro FM on Tuesday, the Service Party (TSP) leader said removing Kindiki from the 2027 equation could trigger political consequences for Ruto, especially in Mt Kenya, which he described as a key voting region.
“If they try to touch the position of Kithure Kindiki, I will do away with them. If the slot of Deputy President won't be from Mt Kenya, I will not support the Kenya Kwanza administration,” Kiunjuri said.
Kiunjuri said Mt Kenya should not give up the Deputy President position, arguing that the region played a major role in Ruto’s election in 2022.
He said the region should agree on its minimum demands before the 2027 election and make clear which positions it considers non-negotiable.
“We must know what belongs to Mount Kenya ahead of 2027. Already, the opposition is negotiating, and thus we should also set a bare minimum, but the slot of the Deputy President isn’t negotiable,” Kiunjuri said.
His remarks come as pressure builds within Kenya Kwanza over who will serve as Ruto’s running mate in 2027, with leaders from different regions positioning themselves for influential roles in the next administration.
In Western Kenya, a section of leaders has already pushed for a bigger role in Ruto’s re-election campaign and government.
The leaders, operating under a Western Kenya caucus, have endorsed Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya for the Deputy President position while backing Ruto’s bid for a second term.
The caucus said it would campaign for Ruto as a united bloc while seeking the Deputy President slot for Western Kenya.
Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala, the caucus spokesperson, said the leaders had agreed to mobilise as one group behind Ruto.
“That the members of the caucus will work as one unit to campaign for the reelection of President William Ruto,” Wanjala said while reading the declaration.
Kiunjuri’s position differs from that of Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who has said Mt Kenya East will continue supporting Ruto even if Kindiki is not chosen as his running mate.
Speaking during an interview with a local television station on July 27, 2026, Ruku said the decision on Ruto’s running mate remains the President’s prerogative.
“We will continue supporting President William Ruto even if Kindiki is not picked; it is the prerogative of the Head of State to choose his running mate,” Ruku said.