'Sometimes it’s good to have a more educated deputy'– Ruto jokes about Kindiki

President William Ruto/PCS

In a light moment at State House, President William Ruto had those present in stitches as he quipped about his deputy, Kithure Kindiki.

Speaking to the audience, the President touched on ongoing development projects but did not shy away from injecting humour into his address.

The conversation began with Ruto noting the persistent reminders he had received about the much-talked-about Nithi Bridge.

“The contractor is now on site, and we have instructed them to build a modern bridge,” he said.

It was at this point that the President shifted to a lighter note. “Unajua saa zingine ni vizuri kuwa na msaidizi mwenye amesoma kukuliko," he said.

(You know, sometimes it’s good to have an assistant who is more educated than you)

The audience erupted in laughter, understanding the jest was directed at Deputy President Kindiki.

Ruto continued the joke by sharing an anecdote about the bridge design.

“Wakati waliniletea design hii nikapprove, lakini nikawaambia pelekeni kwa Professor asahihishe,” he said.

(When they brought me this design, I approved, but I told them to take it to the professor (DP) himself to sign.)

The quip highlighted Kindiki’s academic credentials.

This is not the first time President William Ruto has made such remarks.

Speaking at the Walimu na Rais Forum at State House, Nairobi, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Ruto emphasised that every head of state seeking success should choose a deputy who is more educated than themselves.

“If you want to succeed, you put people who are more intelligent than you. When they help you shine, you take the credit, even though they are the ones doing the work,” he stated.

Ruto's remarks sent the entire audience into laughter. Kindiki, who was in attendance, stood and acknowledged the President’s statement.

Beyond the humour, Ruto outlined concrete development plans for the country.

He spoke of a dual carriageway from Makutano to Mau, a project he estimated would begin in early 2027.

This road is expected to ease traffic, improve connectivity, and support economic growth in the surrounding areas.

In addition, he shared a broader vision of linking Rironi and Mau Summit through a dual carriageway, eventually connecting to Malaba, thus enhancing regional transport networks and facilitating trade.

The government announced measures to enhance security and protect key infrastructure and equipment during the construction of the Sh200 billion Rironi–Mau Summit Road, which is expected to be completed by June next year.

The plan includes deploying additional security personnel along key sections of the highway to ease traffic flow within diversion routes that will be provided during construction.