Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has hit back at critics who have labeled him a 'Mr. Yes Man,' insisting that he knows what he is doing.
Speaking while addressing a roadside rally in Meru on Wednesday, April 2, Kindiki defended his loyalty to President William Ruto, noting that the President himself once held a similar position.
"I have seen some people mocking me by calling me 'Mr. Yes Man'. For 10 years President William Ruto was 'Mr. Yes, Man' for former President Uhuru Kenyatta. So, I'm not stupid and I know what I'm doing," he stated
At the same time, while addressing the rally, Kindiki requested Ruto's permission to lead the efforts against miraa cartels in Meru County.
"I have one prayer Mr President. You know we cannot let you do all the work yet you have given us responsibilities. You have a Deputy President, Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries. This war against miraa cartels, delegate it to your Deputy President," he said.
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Kindiki referenced his tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary noting that during that time, terrorists and bandits were well aware of his firm stance.
He expressed his readiness to apply the same resolve to eradicate the cartels in the miraa industry.
"When I was Cabinet Secretary for Interior, there were terrorist attacks in Lamu and banditry in North Rift and other parts of the country. Though I did not eliminate terrorism and banditry 100 percent, the day you gave me the job, terrorists and bandits knew there was a true CS for Interior.
“I therefore ask that you delegate me the assignment t to deal with miraa cartels and I assure you I will destroy the cartels very early in the morning," he added.
Kindiki has been Deputy President since November 2024.
Speaking during his swearing-in ceremony, Ruto praised Kindiki as a loyal steward of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
"Over the last two decades, I have had the privilege to witness Professor Kindiki's work as a professor, litigation lawyer, consulting attorney, senator representing Tharaka Nithi, Majority Leader, and Deputy Speaker of the Senate, and most recently as Cabinet Secretary.
"This moment calls for an individual who takes pride in a job well done and is humble enough to be a loyal servant of the people," Ruto said.
