Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has suffered a major political setback after President William Ruto reassigned one of the most influential roles within government, according to a front-page report by The Standard on Tuesday, July 28.
The publication reports that Kindiki has been removed from overseeing intergovernmental relations, a powerful coordination docket that links the national government with counties.
The role has now been handed to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, effectively reducing the Deputy President’s direct influence over a critical arm of governance.
Documents cited by the newspaper indicate that the changes were formalised through an executive directive, signaling a significant shift in the structure of power within the Executive.
The intergovernmental coordination role has historically been a strategic position, previously held by President Ruto during his tenure as Deputy President, as well as his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua.
The decision follows growing pressure on the President after the party’s performance in the recent Ol Kalou by-election, which exposed cracks within its support base.
The reassignment also comes amid concerns within government ranks about political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.
There have been indications of shifting influence blocs, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, where Gachagua is perceived to be consolidating support.
While no official statement has been issued by either the Presidency or Kindiki regarding the changes, the development is likely to fuel debate over the Deputy President’s current standing in government.
The removal from such a strategic docket may limit his visibility in county-level engagements, which are central to political mobilisation.
On the other hand, Mudavadi’s expanded role strengthens his position within the Cabinet, placing him at the centre of national-county relations.
This could enhance coordination but also recalibrate political influence within the Executive.