The simmering cold war within Kenya’s broad-based government has erupted, with Mt Kenya leaders warning Raila Odinga’s ODM to keep its hands off the Deputy Presidency.

Allies of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have drawn a definitive line in the sand, telling the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) that the country’s second-highest office is "non-negotiable" in any 2027 coalition talks. The sharp rebuke follows comments by ODM luminary Oburu Oginga, who hinted that the party would be eyeing the DP slot as part of a power-sharing deal. This has triggered a fierce protective instinct among Kindiki’s supporters in the Mt Kenya region, who view the position as their rightful share of the Kenya Kwanza government.

"A Legally Married Woman"

The rhetoric has been colorful and combative. Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, a key Kindiki ally, compared the Deputy President’s office to a "legally married woman," warning ODM that "you can only attempt to seduce her at your own peril." The message is clear: the marriage between President William Ruto and the mountain region is sealed by the DP seat, and no amount of "broad-based" cooperation can annul it.

Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku and Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a echoed these sentiments, stating that Kindiki is the incumbent until 2032. "If ODM is interested in the position, we shall give it after that, when Kithure Kindiki will be vying for the presidency," Ruku declared. This premature campaigning for 2032 underscores the anxiety within UDA that their new partners in government might be plotting a hostile takeover.

• The Context: President Ruto formed a "broad-based government" last year, incorporating ODM figures into his cabinet to quell civil unrest. While this brought stability, it also sowed distrust among his original allies, who fear being displaced by the veteran opposition machinery.
• The Threat: Njuki warned that if the DP slot becomes a bargaining chip, the Mt Kenya bloc would walk away. "If the demands persist, then the ruling UDA party should donate Kindiki to ODM," he remarked sarcastically, highlighting the absurdity of the proposition.

Territorial Warfare

The clash highlights the fragility of the current political truce. ODM feels its popularity warrants a bigger slice of the national cake, while Kindiki’s camp is desperate to consolidate its power after the tumultuous impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua. The Deputy Presidency is the anchor of Mt Kenya’s influence in the Ruto administration, and they will defend it with bare knuckles.

As 2027 approaches, this internal friction is likely to intensify. The warning shots fired by Kindiki’s allies serve as a reminder that in Kenyan politics, friendship is temporary, but interests are permanent. For now, the sign on the Deputy President’s door reads: "Occupied. Do Not Disturb."