Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a veiled warning of what may befall Deputy President Kithure Kindiki amid reports of a fallout with his boss, William Ruto. Murkomen urged the people of Mt Kenya to unite behind the law professor, saying the region’s support will ultimately determine his political survival. This points to a possibility of Ruto throwing Kindiki under the bus, especially with his former DP Rigathi Gachagua now calling the shots in Mt Kenya.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony at St. Stephen’s Secondary School in Kagaari, Embu County, on Friday, July 31, Murkomen said Kindiki deserved the same political support that leaders and residents of Mt Kenya had previously given his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua.
He also challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to go beyond referring to Kindiki as the “son of the mountain” and openly mobilise support for him.
“I want you to support Prof. Kindiki as the Deputy President and hold his hand,” Murkomen said.
“If you now acknowledge that he is your son, why can’t you go all the way and say that we should support him?”
Murkomen Urges Mt Kenya to Back Kindiki, Says Region Holds Key to DP’s Political Future
Murkomen said Kindiki should not be treated differently from the former deputy president, arguing that he deserved equal backing from the region.
“When we were supporting the previous Deputy President, you all said he was a son of Mt Kenya. Now this Professor Kithure Kindiki— is he the child of a lesser father and mother from Mt Kenya than the one who was there before? Why shouldn’t he receive the same support that we gave to others? He posed.
He dismissed claims that Kindiki was facing political challenges within the Kenya Kwanza administration, insisting that the Deputy President’s only obstacle would arise if his home region failed to stand firmly behind him.
“Don’t come here saying that our son has a problem. Professor Kindiki has no problem. There is no problem with Prof. Kindiki. He will only have a problem if you do not support him,” Murkomen said.
CS Defends Kindiki Amid Succession Speculation
Murkomen also dismissed calls by some leaders for the Deputy President’s position to shift to another region, saying such proposals were premature and ignored the fact that Mt Kenya already had a capable leader serving in the role.
His remarks come amid recent reports suggesting that Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya could be considered for the Deputy President’s position in 2027.
Without referring to the reports directly, the Interior CS dismissed calls for another deputy president and urged Mt Kenya leaders to unite behind Kindiki.
Using an analogy, Murkomen compared Kindiki’s position to that of “a beautiful unmarried girl,” saying many people would seek to win her over unless those closest to her protected the relationship.
“There is a saying that a beautiful unmarried girl attracts many suitors. If those around her do not protect the relationship, others will come looking for her. That is why I am asking you to stand with your son,” he said.
Murkomen went on to praise Kindiki’s leadership credentials, describing him as an accomplished academic, an experienced public servant and a leader with a clear vision for the country.
He said the Deputy President had demonstrated integrity and commitment throughout his public service and deserved the confidence of the people of Mt Kenya.
The Cabinet Secretary also called on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to publicly support Kindiki after recently referring to him as the “son of the mountain.”
“If you have accepted that he is your son, then tell the people to support him,” Murkomen said.
Also Read: Murkomen Orders Transfer of All Police Officers at Police Station
Warns Against Political Violence
At the same time, Murkomen assured Kenyans that the government would continue taking firm action against individuals involved in political violence and disruption of public meetings.
He commended the National Police Service for maintaining order during recent political gatherings, saying there had been no reported incidents involving organized gangs over the past two weeks.
“I commend the National Police Service. In all the meetings that have taken place over the last two weeks, there have been no incidents involving goons,” he said.
The Interior CS warned politicians and other individuals accused of financing violence that they would face the full force of the law.
He also cautioned against carrying crude weapons to public gatherings under the guise of self-defence, saying the government would not tolerate acts that threatened public safety.
Also Read: DP Kithure Kindiki’s Full Job Description, Salary, Allowances and Benefits in 2026
Interior CS Defends Ruto’s Beyond Vision 2030 Agenda
He also used the occasion to defend President William Ruto’s newly unveiled Kenya’s New National Development Vision: Beyond Vision 2030, saying the blueprint would guarantee Kenyans a brighter and more dignified future.
“The President is placing development at the centre of his agenda and securing a dignified future for Kenyans. That is why he unveiled the Beyond Vision 2030 agenda yesterday,” Murkomen said.
Dismissing criticism from the opposition, the Cabinet Secretary argued that the country’s development agenda must remain firmly anchored in the Constitution, adding that Kenyans deserve both constitutional freedoms and economic progress.
“The right to life cannot be separated from the right to development,” he said.
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