Kindiki defends loyalty to Ruto, dismisses 'Yes Man' tag

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed claims that he is blindly loyal to President William Ruto, arguing that his role is to support the Head of State in delivering on his agenda.

Speaking in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, on Wednesday, Kindiki said those referring to him as a ‘Yes Man’ are mistaken, adding that loyalty is necessary for effective governance.

“Some are ridiculing me for being loyal to the President. They are saying I am a ‘Mr Yes Man’. The President was himself a loyal Mr Yes Man to former President Uhuru Kenyatta for 10 years,” Kindiki said.

He maintained that his commitment to the President does not make him weak, insisting that he knows what he is doing.

“I am not stupid, I know what I’m doing. You must be loyal to the President to get things done and assist the President deliver on his agenda for the country,” he added.

Kindiki was appointed Deputy President by President Ruto following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua.

Critics have argued that Ruto chose him because he would not challenge his decisions, a claim that has been echoed by opposition leaders.

This narrative gained momentum after Gachagua claimed that his removal was due to his resistance to some of the President’s decisions, including those related to the Cabinet.

Kindiki’s remarks come a day after he stated that he and other government leaders would not waste time responding to critics who do not offer alternative solutions for the country.

He reiterated that his responsibility is to assist, support, and defend the President, not to oppose him.

“Some people are advising me to fight the President. My job is to support the President, to defend him, to work under him with my colleagues to make sure we follow through the President’s promises and deliver development to the people of Kenya,” he said on Tuesday.

Kindiki assured the President of his unwavering support and said he would remain firm against those seeking to divide the leadership.