Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has opened up about how several high-profile individuals recently approached and advised him to oppose President William Ruto.
Speaking at Ng’arachi Comprehensive School in Laikipia County on Tuesday, April 1, during the commencement of Ruto’s tour of the Mt Kenya region, Kindiki recalled being questioned why he did not oppose the head of state’s style of governance.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary also revealed that he was, on several occasions, compelled to spark conflict and confront President Ruto on several issues affecting Kenyans.
While hitting out at the said individuals whom he did not name, the deputy president questioned the motive behind such a piece of advice but maintained that he would continue working closely with Ruto despite the criticism.
Kindiki further reiterated that his primary role as Ruto’s deputy was to support and defend the president and ensure the plights of Kenyans were taken into account.
According to the former Tharaka Nithi Senator, it was the work of the opposition leaders to keep the government in check and hold the current regime accountable to Kenyans.
“There are people who have begun advising me, questioning why I am reluctant to fight the president. Since when did the deputy president fight with the head of state?” Kindiki questioned.
“I am not in opposition; the work of keeping the government accountable is for those who are outside the government. My job is to support and defend the president,” he added.
The deputy president expressed the sentiments hours after President Ruto broke his silence for the first time and revealed why former DP Rigathi Gachagua was dismissed and replaced with Kindiki.
Speaking during a televised roundtable interview with journalists in Nyeri County on Monday, March 31, Ruto accused Gachagua of undermining the government through persistent conflicts with senior State House officials and Members of Parliament.
The president disclosed that Gachagua's misunderstanding with key government officials, including blogger Dennis Itumbi and MPs Ndindi Nyoro and Kimani Ichung'wah, led to his ouster.
Additionally, Ruto revealed that his former deputy also demanded Ksh10 billion and threatened to make him a one-term president if he failed to provide the money.
“I asked him, ‘Why are you fighting with Itumbi, my PA Farouk, and these young leaders? What’s the need for such small battles?" Ruto commented.
Gachagua told me that I would be a one-term president if I did not meet certain conditions. He asked for Ksh10 billion to talk to the Mt. Kenya region. I told him I would not do it. I told him if it's one term, it's okay if you're the one to decide. So the MPs started a war," he added.
