Mudavadi rules out deputizing Ruto

CAPTION: Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi made it clear that he has no interest in deputising Ruto. Photo: Musalia Mudavadi. Source: Facebook

By Agencies

KIMININI / KENYA – Mudavadi made the declaration on Thursday, 10 July 2026, during a meeting at the Kitale Show Grounds in Kiminini Constituency, where he addressed a crowd of supporters.

Mudavadi’s presidential declaration

Speaking animatedly at the podium, Mudavadi was categorical about his ambitions, telling the crowd he was no longer interested in the second-highest office in the land.

The veteran politician made it clear that while he remains committed to helping Ruto secure a second term, he now sees himself as a future presidential contender rather than a deputy.

He urged his supporters to back Ruto’s re-election bid for a second term, saying that would pave the way for his own presidential ambitions in the future.

Mudavadi cautioned opposition figures against underestimating Ruto’s political strength ahead of 2027, dismissing their chances of unseating him.

“For me, I no longer want to be number two. At the right time, I want to be number one. Hiyo ndio target. But in the interim, hapa muhula, tusaidie Ruto apate muhula wake wa pili. Na mimi nataka niwaambie right now, kwa wakati huu, hao wote ambao wanazunguka hapa kutoka kule opposition, I want to tell you hawatafua dafu,” Mudavadi said.

Why is Musalia best-suited to succeed Ruto?

Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau reinforced Mudavadi’s message, saying Kenya Kwanza’s immediate priority was securing Ruto’s re-election before turning its attention to Mudavadi’s presidential ambitions.

According to the lawmaker, the long-term plan is for Mudavadi to seek the presidency in 2032, noting that he has already served in the country’s second-highest office.

“And what we want is the actual prize. Tuskume Ruto apate hii yake second term, 2032 iteremke tu ikuje hapa we’ve got Mudavadi here. He had already been a deputy president,” said Bisau.

The declaration comes at a time when the conversation around Ruto’s 2027 running mate has intensified across the country.

Politicians from the Mt Kenya region have been pushing for Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki to retain his slot, while a section of Western Kenya leaders has floated National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula for the role.

Within ODM, factions have emerged, one backing Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and another rooting for Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya.