Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, hit back at remarks labelling him as President William Ruto’s ‘yes man’.
Speaking in Mwea during the President’s second-day tour of Mt Kenya on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Kindiki maintained that he comprehends his job as the principal assistant to the president, a role he reiterated he has been undertaking comfortably.
“Nimeona kuna watu wameanza kuongea mambo ya kejeli eti wananiita eti Mr Yes man. Si mmesikia watu wa madharau wakiniita Mr yes man. Wacha niwaambie sasa, huyu Ruto kwa miaka kumi alikuwa yes man wa Uhuru Kenyatta. Kwa hiyo mimi sio mjinga najua vile nafanya. Ni lazima uwe mtiifu kwa rais ndio kazi ya wananchi ikuwe rahisi,” he said.
The claims come amid ongoing criticism of Kindiki over his working relationship with Ruto since assuming office in 2024.
With Kindiki rising to power after Rigathi Gachagua’s ouster as Deputy President, Gachagua launched a fierce attack on Ruto’s government, with the former Interior CS—who later became Ruto’s pick for DP—also facing backlash.
Following his acrimonious exit as DP, Gachagua has repeatedly referenced his firm opposition regarding initiatives and policies he felt were ill-conceived by the government, like the Adani JKIA deal.
The former DP further affirmed that he was the only member of the cabinet capable of facing, challenging or warning the president in what he claims made his position in government untenable.
Meanwhile, Kindiki has reaffirmed his commitment to support the president, his remarks coming after he laid bare that he was being pressured to start feuding with his boss.
“Some people started advising me, saying that I am not fighting with the president well, and you are arguing with the president,” he stated.
“Since when has the job of the deputy president become fighting with the president? I’m I an opposition leader? Is arguing with the government the work of the opposition?
“My job is to support the president and to work under him to make sure that what he does will follow through and we deliver to the people of Kenya,” he insisted.