Editor's Review
Ndia Member of Parliament George Kariuki has declared interest in being President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election.
Ndia Member of Parliament George Kariuki has declared interest in being President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday, September 20, Kariuki said he is qualified for the position and has the experience needed to be the Deputy President
The UDA lawmaker also said he has the required education, noting that he holds a Master's in public policy management.
“If Kenyans say so because I have been meeting them, I cannot say no. I think I have what it takes; I have the experience; this is my 10th year.
“I have the kind of education required for that position; I think I even have the best because my master’s program is in public policy management. You know, a lot of government issues are about public policy management, so that gives me an advantage,” said Kariuki.
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At the same time, Kariuki said President Ruto’s 2027 running mate should not be picked via the boardroom.
He argued that Mt Kenya locals should have a say in who will be President Ruto’s 2027 running mate.
“I will not support any decision to take that position outside Mount Kenya. Even in Mount Kenya, it should not be a boardroom decision because we tried boardroom decisions in 2022 and 2024. In 2027, let us go to the people and let them decide who they want,” he said.
The Ndia MP proposed the use of opinion polls and consultations involving different groups within the region.
However, Kariuki said the final decision rests with President Ruto, but said he would support whoever he picks.
“The president is a smart politician; he knows what to do; he knows the best person to pick, but I am a key player; whether it’s me or somebody else we will support that person, but of course we need someone who will not be difficult to sell,” he stated.
Further, Kariuki said President Ruto stands a chance to get over 50 percent of the votes from Mt Kenya should he pick a running mate from the area.
Nevertheless, he said it will be difficult for President Ruto if he retains Kithure Kindiki as his running mate.
“It will be difficult; I am not saying it is impossible, but I am saying it will be difficult,” Kariuki added.
This comes months after Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku announced that Mt Kenya East will support President Ruto in 2027 even if Kindiki is not picked as his running mate.
Speaking on Monday, July 27, CS Ruku said it is President Ruto’s prerogative to choose his running mate for 2027.
“We will continue supporting President William Ruto even if Kindiki is not picked; it is the prerogative of the Head of State to choose his running mate,” said CS Ruku.
The Public Service CS, however, said he is supporting Kindiki to be Ruto’s running mate in next year’s election.
CS Ruku argued that DP Kindiki has performed well as President Ruto’s personal assistant and deserves to continue serving as second in command.
“I support Kithure Kindiki to continue being the Deputy President because he has performed very well as President Ruto's principal assistant.
“He has outperformed himself as Deputy President, and I think he is suited to be the next Deputy President from 2027 to 2032. You don’t fix what is working,” Ruku added.
