Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has responded to former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s criticism of the current administration, urging the public to base their criticisms on accurate facts.
Speaking at a community empowerment event in Dadaab, Garissa County, on Saturday, Kindiki called on those opposing the government to ensure their remarks are grounded in truth and reflect the real achievements made by President William Ruto’s leadership.
Kindiki addressed Uhuru’s concerns about the changes made to key government programs, specifically the Linda Mama initiative.
During a speech at the Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference (NDC) in Nairobi on Friday, September 26, 2025, the former president had expressed dissatisfaction with the new schemes that replaced those he said had been beneficial to many Kenyans.
“Today, many of the gains we had in the past have been eroded. Linda Mama and others were replaced by new, untried, untested schemes. And while we wait for these experiments to work, Kenyans suffer and our progress is retarded,” Uhuru said.
In contrast, Kindiki clarified that the Linda Mama program had evolved and expanded, becoming part of the Social Health Authority (SHA) initiative.
He explained that the new SHA program now covers a broader range of people, including mothers, the elderly, youth, and children.
“Linda Mama ilikuwa inashughulika na akina mama wajawazito pekee. Sasa tumeipanua kupitia SHA na inalinda wamama, wazee, vijana na watoto. Tunaita Linda Jamii kwa sababu inalinda kila mmoja, sio mama pekee,” Kindiki noted.
Translation: Linda Mama used to only deal with pregnant mothers. Now we have expanded it through SHA and it protects mothers, the elderly, youth and children. We call it Linda Jamii because it protects everyone, not just mothers.
The Deputy President emphasized that the initiative had been broadened and is now a comprehensive social health safety net for a wider population.
Responding to concerns about the overall effectiveness of government policies, Kindiki pointed to significant achievements that have impacted ordinary Kenyans.
He highlighted a notable decrease in the cost of fertilizer, from Sh6,500 to Sh2,500, and a strengthening of the Kenyan shilling, which had depreciated to 165 shillings to the dollar under the previous administration but is now trading at 129.
“Rais Ruto alikuta mbolea ikiwa inauzwa Sh6,500, leo imeshuka hadi Sh2,500. Vile vile, shilingi ya Kenya ilikuwa imeanguka, dola moja ilikuwa Sh165. Leo imeshuka hadi Sh129. Hizo ndizo ukweli ambazo wananchi wanapaswa kujua,” Kindiki said.
Flanked by senior political figures such as Wajir Senator Abass Sheikh Mohamed and Wajir South MP Mohamed Adow, Kindiki assured the public that the Kenya Kwanza government remains committed to delivering on its promises.
He also dismissed attempts by critics to undermine the progress made so far, urging for more focus on facts rather than political rhetoric.