Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has dismissed growing speculation that Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi could be considered for the Deputy President position under President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during a televised interview on Thursday, March 26, 2026, Mungatana pushed back against pressure from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which has been lobbying for the deputy presidency as part of a possible pre-election agreement with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He clarified that President Ruto’s praise of Mbadi’s performance at the National Treasury should not be interpreted as succession planning or endorsement for the deputy presidency.
“The fact that the President is praising Honourable Mbadi does not mean that he wants him to be a deputy president,” Mungatana said.
He compared leadership suitability to other professions, arguing that excellence in one role does not automatically translate into political leadership.
UDA Backs Kindiki for DP Position
Mungatana further reaffirmed support for current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, stating that UDA leaders remain firmly behind him despite ODM’s growing political ambitions.
“We are firmly behind Professor Kindiki, and there should be no doubt,” he said. “We are going to fight for Kindiki to stay as Deputy President.”
His remarks reflect increasing resistance within UDA to any political arrangement that would see ODM secure the influential deputy presidency slot ahead of the 2027 elections.
ODM’s Position and Rising Political Tensions
The debate comes as ODM intensifies calls for a share of top leadership positions in future political negotiations.
Treasury CS John Mbadi has previously stated that the Nyanza region should produce Kenya’s next president after Ruto’s term ends, signaling growing political ambitions within the party.
However, UDA-aligned leaders maintain that the Deputy President position is not part of any negotiation.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has also warned ODM to stay away from the seat, insisting it remains politically anchored within the current ruling coalition.
Conclusion
The unfolding political debate highlights deepening tensions between ODM and UDA as early positioning for the 2027 elections begins to take shape.
While ODM pushes for inclusion in top leadership roles, UDA leaders insist the current leadership structure remains unchanged.
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Politics