Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s position is facing a fresh political challenge after Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru declared her interest in replacing him, opening a new battle within President William Ruto’s camp ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Waiguru has defended her ambition, arguing that her experience in government, international institutions and county leadership makes her a strong candidate for the country’s second-highest office.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s Sunday Live, the two-term governor said the deputy presidency should not be treated as the preserve of one individual, despite Kindiki currently holding the position.
She cited her previous work at the World Bank, Citibank, the National Treasury and the Office of the President, alongside her tenure as Kirinyaga governor and former Cabinet Secretary for Devolution, as evidence of her leadership experience.
Waiguru also argued that women deserve a greater role in negotiations over Kenya’s top political positions, insisting that female leaders should actively pursue opportunities rather than wait to be nominated.
Her declaration has, however, attracted criticism from leaders who believe the contest could undermine Kindiki’s position and complicate political unity in the Mount Kenya region.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku recently accused Waiguru of undermining Kindiki by openly campaigning for the deputy presidency, arguing that the decision ultimately rests with President Ruto.
The contest is further complicated by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), whose leaders have expressed interest in securing the deputy presidency as part of possible political negotiations ahead of the 2027 election.
Waiguru has also announced that she intends to contest the presidency in 2032, signalling ambitions that extend beyond the immediate battle for the running-mate position.
Her entry into the race leaves Ruto facing a potentially difficult political calculation as he weighs loyalty to his current deputy, regional interests, gender representation and the demands of possible coalition partners.
With the 2027 election approaching, the central question is whether Waiguru can secure enough political backing to dislodge Kindiki , or whether her bid will remain an ambitious challenge to the current deputy president.
