Fresh political tensions have emerged over the 2027 succession matrix after Peter Kaluma dismissed claims that the deputy presidency is politically reserved, insisting that the slot remains central to future power-sharing negotiations.
Kaluma’s remarks came in response to statements by Sabina Chege, who declared that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki will retain the position beyond 2027 and could even mount a presidential bid in 2032.
Chege made the comments on Saturday during the inspection of the Maragua–Kigumo Road, an event attended by the Deputy President.
Addressing supporters, Chege urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to temper its expectations, stating that Kindiki remains firmly aligned with the current administration and its long-term political trajectory.
“ODM come slowly. Kindiki is ours, he will still be the DP past 2027, and in 2032, he will even vie for the presidency,” Sabina Chege stated.
However, Kaluma rejected the assertion, arguing that ODM must secure the deputy presidency in 2027 as part of broader political realignment talks.
“We must get the DP seat in 2027 and the Presidency in 2032,” Kaluma said. “You can’t shout about retaining the DP seat yet your people are not supporting President Ruto despite appointing your people to all critical positions in public service and granting you a lion’s share of development.”
His remarks reflect widening debate within political circles over loyalty, power-sharing, and regional balance ahead of the next general election cycle.
Kaluma’s statement also signals growing unease among ODM allies who believe their support within government structures should translate into strategic positions in the future political arrangement.
Chege’s comments, meanwhile, reinforce the Kenya Kwanza camp’s messaging of continuity and consolidation around Kindiki as a key pillar of the administration’s succession plan.
With political alignments already taking shape, analysts say the emerging public exchanges underline early positioning for 2027 and beyond, with the deputy presidency increasingly viewed as a crucial bargaining chip in Kenya’s evolving coalition politics.