Kiunjuri has maintained that such a proposal is unlikely to materialize, arguing that Ruto will most probably select a deputy from the Mt Kenya region.
He saya the decision will be guided by the voting strength each region brings to the ticket, emphasizing Mt Kenya’s significant numbers.
According to Kiunjuri, the same logic informed Ruto’s choice of a Mt Kenya running mate in 2022 and is expected to influence the 2027 decision as well.
“Those are politics. The position of the Mount Kenya region was given to the Mount Kenya region because of the votes we shall give to William Ruto,” he said during an interview on Kameme TV on Monday.
“To be given the position of deputy region, the principal of shareholding must be considered. What are you bringing to the table?” he added.
His remarks come as leaders from Mt Kenya allied to the President continue to push for the retention of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
For example, Embu governor Cecily Mbarire has argued that Kindiki symbolizes the region’s stake in government and should not be removed from the post.
On his part, Oburu has insisted that ODM will not lower its demands, stating that even criticism from Kindiki’s allies within government will not alter the party’s stance.
Oburu is leading one ODM faction willing to negotiate with Ruto, as the other, led by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, pushes for the party to have its own presidential candidate.