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During a visit to Meru, President Ruto praised Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as a respectful and capable leader while revealing details behind former DP Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment and fallout
President William Ruto has praised his Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, calling him a respectful, focused, and capable leader who understands how the government works. Speaking in Meru during the launch of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Funds, Ruto thanked the people of Meru for “giving” him Kindiki.
“I want to thank the people of Meru for giving me this great gentleman, Kithure Kindiki. I now have a deputy,” Ruto said, in what many saw as a dig at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was removed from office in October 2024.
Ruto said Kindiki is not only committed to national development but also works hard to support the government’s agenda. He praised him for being calm, respectful, and focused on unity rather than tribal politics.
“He understands roads, electricity, and housing plans. He is respectful and focused. That’s how we’re going to change Kenya,” Ruto added.
The President also made it clear that Kindiki is not just representing his home region of Meru, but the entire country.
“He is not angry or tribal. He knows that the Deputy President is a national leader, not a regional one,” Ruto said.
He went on to praise Kindiki’s efforts in agriculture, infrastructure, and education. He noted that the new deputy has been actively supporting government programs and working well with Cabinet secretaries.
“You’ve seen him travel across the country, helping me implement our agenda. I’m proud to have a deputy who supports me and understands how government works,” he said.
Ruto also spoke about what led to the removal of former DP Rigathi Gachagua. In a recent interview, the President revealed that Gachagua was more focused on conflicts and personal fights than on serving the public.
“He wasn’t working. He was always fighting, even with government officials and bloggers like Dennis Itumbi. I had to step in many times until I got tired,” Ruto said.
He also revealed that Gachagua once demanded Ksh10 billion to solve issues in the Mt. Kenya region and allegedly threatened Ruto that he would only serve one term if he didn’t comply.
“I refused. He even tried to intimidate me, but I couldn’t give in. I had tried to protect him from impeachment many times, but eventually, I gave up,” said the President.
Gachagua was impeached in October 2024 over accusations of abuse of office and promoting tribalism. After his removal, Kindiki was appointed as the new Deputy President.
Despite the political fallout, Ruto said his relationship with the people of Mt. Kenya remains strong.
“I’ve been visiting Mt. Kenya for over 20 years. This isn’t a short-term friendship. It’s built over decades and can’t be broken by a few political changes,” he said.
President Ruto’s remarks showed his firm support for Kindiki and his clear break from Gachagua’s leadership style. He emphasized that going forward, the country needs calm and unity, not political drama.