Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has moved to defend his boss President William Ruto amid intensifying political exchanges with his critics, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking in Bomet on Wednesday, March 18, Prof Kindiki said a section of political actors had abandoned issue-based politics in favour of insults, adding that he would no longer stand by as the President comes under repeated verbal attacks. He warned that he is ready to step in and confront what he termed as ‘sustained personal attacks’ against the Head of State.
The DP argued that many of those branding Ruto as “unpresidential” had invested more energy in demeaning him than presenting alternative ideas to Kenyans.
“I have seen some people saying that President Ruto should be presidential. I want to tell you, you have used all your time to insult him instead of telling Kenyans what your agenda is,” Kindiki stated.
In a tone that signaled rising political tension, the Deputy President questioned the fairness of demanding decorum from Ruto while critics allegedly undermine the presidency through personal attacks.
“Before you demand that President Ruto acts presidential, have you treated him in a presidential manner?” he posed.
The second in command further suggested that the current wave of criticism against Ruto had crossed the line, noting that previous leaders such as Uhuru Kenyatta and Mwai Kibaki were not subjected to similar “one-term” chants.
“Those lecturing Ruto should stop immediately. Why didn’t they shout ‘one term’ to Uhuru or even Kibaki? We cannot have a perfect president. He is also human,” Kindiki said.
He went a step further, warning that continued attacks on the President would attract direct pushback from him personally – an indication that he is prepared to take a more active role in defending Ruto politically.
His remarks come against the backdrop of an escalating war of words between Ruto and his critics, particularly Gachagua, whose recent comments – widely perceived as body-shaming – triggered a sharp response from the President.
The back-and-forth quickly spiraled, with Ruto firing back at his opponents, accusing some of tribalism, hatred, and even criminal conduct, while also making pointed remarks about their lifestyles and appearances.
The exchanges have since sparked a nationwide debate on leadership tone and political ethics, with critics arguing that the President may be getting drawn into confrontational politics, while allies like Kindiki now signal a willingness to step in and absorb the political heat on his behalf.