OBURU IS IRRITATING US - CS RUKU

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has sharply criticised ODM leader Oburu Oginga over his repeated calls for the Orange Democratic Movement to secure the Deputy President’s seat in ongoing political negotiations, warning that such remarks are unnecessary and disruptive.

Speaking alongside Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and several leaders from the Mt. Kenya East region, Ruku dismissed Oburu’s position as provocative, insisting the Deputy President’s office is firmly occupied and not subject to speculation.
“Mheshimiwa Oburu unatukera, kwa nini urudie tena na tena ya kwamba unataka kiti cha DP, the Deputy President’s office is not vacant, DP Kithure Kindiki ako na wafuasi wa kutosha,” said Ruku.
Which loosely translates; Honourable Oburu, you are irritating us. Why do you keep repeating that you want the DP seat? The Deputy President’s office is not vacant, and DP Kithure Kindiki has more than enough supporters.

The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed that President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki remain focused on delivering development, dismissing claims that the DP position is open for negotiation.

He also cautioned political actors within the broad-based government arrangement to exercise restraint and mutual respect, warning against rhetoric that could strain working relations.

“Even if we are in the broad-based government, we must work with respect and desist from annoying each other unnecessarily,” he said.

Kindiki, addressing the growing political debate, urged leaders to lower the political temperature and avoid dragging the country into premature succession politics.

“I want to ask all of us, especially the political class, to tone down the fierce political heat that is being generated by the ongoing debate. There is no need to worry,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President further expressed confidence in his political standing, signalling readiness to engage when the time is right.
“We are the masters of this political game. At the right time, I will play our cards properly. I have no record of losing any political contest,” he said.

He also called on voters in areas headed for by-elections on February 26, 2026, to support candidates from the ruling United Democratic Alliance.

Ruku’s remarks come in response to recent statements by Oburu, who has openly declared that ODM intends to negotiate for the Deputy President’s position as part of broader political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during consultative meetings and party engagements, Oburu maintained that ODM would not shy away from demanding influential positions within government.

“That Deputy President seat is what we are targeting very strongly,” Oburu said.

He explained that ODM’s national influence and political support justify its push for a significant role in government, arguing that the party deserves its fair share in any coalition arrangement.

Oburu also clarified that his earlier remarks were misunderstood and did not imply hostility toward the current Deputy President.

“What I said and meant was that we have no personal hate or dislike at all with the Deputy President,” he stated.

According to Oburu, ODM’s political strength and support base justify its push for a greater share in government, including the possibility of securing the Deputy President position through coalition negotiations with the ruling party.

At the same time, he has maintained that ODM remains committed to the broad-based government framework, while positioning itself strategically ahead of future political contests.

The exchange highlights growing tensions within the broad-based government in preparation for the 2027 elections.

While government leaders allied to Ruto and Kindiki have dismissed the DP debate as unnecessary and destabilising, ODM’s leadership continues to frame its demands as part of legitimate political negotiations aimed at keeping it relevant.