Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki finds himself at the center of intense political speculation after a directive from President William Ruto reportedly stripped him of the critical role of coordinating intergovernmental relations, reassigning it to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.


According to reports by *The Standard* and KTN News, the move was communicated through Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei. It effectively transfers oversight of the devolution department — which serves as the primary link between the national government and the 47 county governments — to Mudavadi’s office.

The development stems from a paper trail involving the Attorney General’s office, the Senate, and the Presidency. Concerns were raised that assigning the role to the Deputy President conflicted with constitutional provisions under the Intergovernmental Relations Act, which requires a designated Cabinet Secretary. Mudavadi reportedly wrote to Koskei requesting formal designation, which President Ruto approved on June 8, 2026. Kindiki was reportedly not copied on the key correspondence.

The reassignment follows efforts to operationalize the Intergovernmental Relations Act. Senate lawmakers had flagged potential constitutional issues with Executive Order arrangements that placed the docket under the Deputy President. Proponents of the shift argue that Kindiki’s broad responsibilities necessitated a clearer delineation of roles.

Speculation is rife that the move reflects broader realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, including recent political setbacks for the ruling coalition in regions like Mt. Kenya and ongoing competition for influence within the broad-based government.

Both Kindiki and government insiders have pushed back strongly against the narrative. The Deputy President quickly dismissed the reports on his social media accounts, labeling them “Fake news.”

Dennis Itumbi, Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Executive Office of the President, dismissed claims of a stripping of the devolution docket. He clarified that Kenya’s intergovernmental relations operate through multiple institutions, not a single office:

- The National and County Government Coordinating Summit is chaired by President Ruto.
- The Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) remains under the Deputy President.
- The Devolution Principal Secretary continues to sit in the Deputy President’s office.
- Mudavadi’s role is limited to answering parliamentary questions on the framework.

Itumbi described the media reports as based on a misunderstanding of the established legal framework.

The story has ignited intense debate across political circles. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has weighed in, claiming the developments mirror tactics allegedly used against him and suggesting efforts to frustrate Kindiki.

Kindiki, who assumed the Deputy Presidency in November 2024 following Gachagua’s impeachment, has recently been vocal about fighting to maintain influence within the government, declaring “*Hatutoki*” (We are not leaving) amid competition from other figures, including Cooperative Development CS Wycliffe Oparanya.

As Kenya heads toward the 2027 polls, the episode underscores the delicate power dynamics within the Kenya Kwanza administration and the high stakes of succession politics. No official communication from State House has confirmed a wholesale removal of responsibilities from the Deputy President’s office as of this morning.

The situation remains fluid, with observers watching closely for any formal gazette notice or further statements from the principals involved.