I did not lecture CS Ruku, DP Kindiki says

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has quickly refuted claims about his stern remarks aimed at Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Geoffrey Ruku, calling them inaccurate.

This comes after Kindiki addressed CS Ruku during a consultative session with elders in Mbeere North, Embu County, on Saturday, where he emphasized that, as a government official, Ruku should prioritize defending the administration rather than acting like an ordinary citizen.

"Ruku, my younger brother, the flag is more than just cloth; it demands respect. You must stand firm in defending the government, informing the public about its achievements, and ensuring unfinished tasks are completed," Kindiki remarked.

"You are no longer an MP, you are a CS. What you have told me, we will push for its implementation together. You are the government, we sit with you in the Cabinet. That is the highest decision-making body in the country, and the president is the chairman."

He remarked, "You can't be a minister and instead of updating the public on government projects, you come here to stir up trouble and complain. That's unacceptable. If you want to complain, step aside. But if you're here to push for Mbeere's development, then stay."

The comment ignited a stir online, prompting Deputy President Kindiki to issue a clarification in response to reports covering his remarks.

On Monday, the Deputy President took to social media, dismissing the claims as inaccurate, emphasizing that the comments were aimed at a former CS from the same region.

"There's a desperate, misleading, and completely malicious distortion suggesting I reprimanded and disrespected my neighbour, CS Geoffrey Ruku, a friend of mine for many years. That’s pure falsehood," he wrote.

The remark I made, which is now being discussed, was directed at a former Cabinet Secretary from the same region, as well as other past leaders who displayed similar behavior. I intended to emphasize that governments everywhere are based on the principle of collective responsibility.

He went on to stress that government leaders must consistently defend the State’s policies and actions rather than oppose them.

"Attempting to appear 'clever' by criticizing a government you are a senior part of is not only illegal but also harmful to the people. It's the role of the opposition to challenge, critique, and correct the government," he stated.

Kindiki's comments followed a statement from Ruku, who, while praising the state's efforts in developing parts of the county, raised a request for the tarmacking of a local road.

"The elders have pointed out that the road from Gikuyari to Ishiara remains a significant issue. They are asking if this road will be paved this year," Ruku said.

"And as a result, they have pledged their support to President Ruto and his deputy, Kindiki."