Ruto: Kindiki is the real deal, critics will be ashamed

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki speaking in Chuka on April 26, 2026 / DPCS

President William Ruto has defended his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, dismissing critics and onslaughts against him.

The president praised Kindiki as a visionary and hard-working leader who has remained focused on service delivery.

Speaking on Sunday in Chuka, Ruto said that since assuming office, Kindiki has traversed the country supporting the implementation of key development projects, including markets, roads, electricity, water and affordable housing.

“I want to say this: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is wise and a person who has vision. He does not have pride or disrespect. He is hard-working. Since he became the Deputy President, he has toured the country to help me with development projects like markets, roads, electricity, water and affordable housing,” Ruto said.

Ruto took issue with leaders he accused of belittling the Deputy President, warning that their contempt and insults would ultimately backfire.

“I want to categorically state this when I’m in Chuka. There are people who have contempt and are rude. They look down upon Kindiki calling him names. I want to tell them, looking down upon him, but he exceeds you more than a hundred times,” Ruto said.

He urged critics to abandon what he termed as ego, contempt and tribalism, emphasising that Kindiki holds the office of Deputy President by constitutional mandate and by God’s plan.

The President further advised his deputy to ignore detractors, assuring him that time would vindicate his leadership.

Ruto took issue with leaders he accused of belittling the Deputy President, warning that their contempt and insults would ultimately backfire.

"Reduce contempt, ego, and tribalism because Kindiki is the Deputy President of Kenya by God’s grace. He is one person who is selfless and hard-working. I want to tell Deputy President Kithure Kindiki not to give them your time. Ignore those who look down upon you and don’t be worried by their insults. One day they will try to respect you but will not get the space; one day,” Ruto said.

Kindiki assumed the deputy presidency following the ouster of Rigathi Gachagua, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.

Kindiki and his allies are rallying Mt Kenya residents to re-elect President Ruto while his political rival, Gachagua, is rallying the same vote-rich bloc to hurtle towards the opposition.

At a memorial service for the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho in Nyandarua County, the two leaders clashed in their tone.

Gachagua launched a scathing attack on Kindiki, accusing him of breaching Mt Kenya cultural norms.

He claimed the Deputy President had discussed a potential by-election before the late legislator had even been buried.

Gachagua said, "We don’t discuss inheriting somebody until he is buried. Hapo professor umeanguka kidogo, utarekebisha."

Kindiki, however, struck a conciliatory tone and did not respond directly to the criticism but instead called for restraint.

"I want to encourage that going forward as a community, as a nation, let us learn how to respect one another, families and communities alike," Kindiki said.

"Let us put down political temperatures to allow mourning because we have a lot of opportunities to do politics outside the church."