President William Ruto has described Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as a knowledgeable, experienced and competent assistant following recent attacks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking during an event in Meru on Monday, May 26, Ruto expressed that he currently has an assistant who understands what the work of the Deputy President is.
In particular, he detailed that Kindiki had worked in various government institutions and was supportive of the cabinet secretaries in their work.
"He is someone who is helping me. You have seen him across the country pushing the Kenyan agenda. I am very proud that I have a deputy who understands government and what we are doing in agriculture," the President remarked.
"He understands what we are doing in infrastructure, education, and health and is supportive of me and the ministers in making sure that work is going forward."
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Ruto also highlighted that Kindiki was unlike his former principal assistant, whom he described as tribal and combative.
Therefore, he called on Kindiki to focus on his work, adding that Gachagua would not succeed.
"He (Kindiki) is not a man of anger and hatred. He is not a tribal man. He knows that he is not a DP for Meru but a DP of Kenya," Ruto asserted.
"Dont worry, these people who have a lot of anger and hatred and are tribal will not get anywhere in Kenya."
Kindiki has been facing criticism from Gachagua in recent weeks. According to the former DP, his successor was a 'yes man' who could not challenge the Head of State.
In other cases, Gachagua has hit out at Kindiki for his donations during his nationwide tours and for hosting musicians from the Mt Kenya region.
"They are traitors to the community. Stop listening to their music. Don’t invite them to your clubs. If a club hosts them, customers should leave. And online, unfollow them," the former DP stated during a church service on Sunday.
In response, Kindiki expressed that Gachagua was not respecting him, adding that he had no moral authority to lecture them.
"Some people have become arrogant, lecturing everyone, including musicians, politicians. Who do they think they are? You cannot dictate to citizens like that. If you come within shooting range, we will deal with you," Kindiki responded.
