Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has weighed in on the growing political calls for his boss, President William Ruto, to serve only one term as the 2027 elections approach.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with grassroots leaders in Tharaka Nithi County on Wednesday, Kindiki dismissed claims by political opponents that President Ruto would not secure re-election.
The Deputy President stated that he is unbothered by growing speculation that Ruto's tenure will be limited to a single five-year term.
''President William Ruto's objective is not to serve for two terms, it is to use the time that God gave him in office to bring transformative programmes in one, two, three areas and then leave,'' Kindiki asserted.
''Even if we do not win the elections (because of our transformative agendas) it does not matter. He would have served as President anyway, is it not a blessing even to serve for five years, one year or even one day? How many Kenyans are there?'' Kindiki questioned.
Kindiki further challenged political leaders across the Mount Kenya region not to be swayed into fears of being haunted by a single-term tag, insisting that President Ruto was already lucky to be elected President.
''Every Kenya is qualified to be in the seats we occupy. If you are serving as a leader, do not consider yourself to be like a superhuman. Do not threaten us with the one-term Presidency talks,'' Kindiki maintained.
Responding to the remarks made by leaders who attended the launch of the Democratic Alliance Party of Kenya(DAP-K) new offices in Karen Nairobi on Monday, the DP intimated that the leaders in attendance had no better alternatives to offer Kenyans.
''Some of the people who have held that office were at the helm for 24 years, some 10 and that is why it will not be a bad thing if Ruto holds it even for five years,'' Kindiki added.
''There were people who were targeting us yesterday insisting that their job is to make William Ruto a one-term President. Ruto is lucky to be among the five Kenyans who have occupied the seat of President of Kenya.''
The DP, known for his measured approach to Mt. Kenya politics, also criticized certain leaders whom he accused of opposing the government despite holding public office—seemingly aiming at Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi.
Kibaki-Ruto Comparison
According to Kindiki, President Ruto has achieved in two years what took former President Kibaki five years to accomplish.
''He dissolved his Cabinet and lost a referendum, yet he remains the most consequential former president. President William Samoei Ruto is facing the same challenges and has remained steadfast in his mission to transform Kenya,'' Kindiki stated.
