Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has ruled out serving as President William Ruto’s running mate in the future, declaring that his political ambition is to become Kenya’s president.
Speaking on Thursday during a political gathering at the Kitale Show Grounds in Kiminini Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, Mudavadi said he was no longer interested in occupying the country’s second-highest office and instead wants to pursue the presidency at the appropriate time.
Mudavadi says his target is the presidency
Addressing supporters, Mudavadi reaffirmed his commitment to supporting President Ruto’s re-election bid in the 2027 General Election but made it clear that his long-term political goal is to lead the country.
He told the gathering that his immediate focus is ensuring President Ruto secures a second term before pursuing his own presidential ambitions.
“I no longer want to be number two. At the right time, I want to be number one. That is my target. For now, let us help President Ruto secure his second term,” Mudavadi said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also dismissed opposition efforts to unseat Ruto in 2027, expressing confidence that the Kenya Kwanza administration would retain power.
Allies back 2032 presidential plan
Mudavadi’s remarks received support from Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau, who said the Kenya Kwanza coalition’s immediate priority is President Ruto’s re-election before shifting focus to Mudavadi’s presidential bid.
According to the legislator, the coalition is already looking beyond the 2027 elections, with plans to support Mudavadi for the presidency in 2032.
Bisau argued that Mudavadi has gained significant leadership experience and would be well positioned to succeed President Ruto after the completion of two constitutional terms.
Running mate debate continues
Mudavadi’s declaration comes as political discussions over President Ruto’s 2027 running mate continue to intensify.
Leaders from the Mt Kenya region have publicly supported Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to retain the deputy president’s position, while some politicians from Western Kenya have proposed National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula for the role.
Within ODM, different factions have also floated Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya as potential candidates for senior leadership positions in future political arrangements.
Rift Valley leaders hint at future support
The Prime Cabinet Secretary’s presidential ambitions have also received backing from some Kenya Kwanza leaders.
Earlier, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot suggested that leaders from the Rift Valley could support Mudavadi’s presidential bid in 2032, praising his loyalty to President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has also previously commended Mudavadi’s leadership, describing him as a steady statesman whose diplomatic engagements have strengthened Kenya’s international relations.
Mudavadi’s latest remarks are expected to shape succession politics within the Kenya Kwanza coalition as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election and the leadership transition expected after President Ruto’s final constitutional term.
