President William Ruto has defended his Deputy, Kithure Kindiki, saying he serves all Kenyans, not just Tharaka Nithi or Mt. Kenya.  

Speaking on the final day of his tour of the Mt Kenya region, Ruto commended Kindiki for his dedication, discipline, and focus on development. 

His remarks were widely seen as a veiled comparison to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.  

“I’m grateful you allowed Prof Kindiki to come to work with me in serving the country. He is respectful, hardworking, and orderly.” 

‘’The Deputy President is not a DP of Tharaka Nithi nor Mt Kenya nor some section of this country. He is a deputy of the whole country, assisting me to serve all Kenyans,” said Ruto. 

Ruto praised Kindiki for prioritising national unity over divisive rhetoric, saying his leadership has made governance more effective.  

“Our mission is to serve all Kenyans and unite all communities. We are getting rid of tribal animosity and hatred for the good of the nation.

In response, Kindiki expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Ruto’s principal assistant, promising to help implement the government’s development agenda.  

“I have been honoured by the President’s decision to pick me as his deputy. I will make sure the work he has assigned me is delivered,” said Kindiki.

Five months ago, during Kindiki’s swearing-in, Ruto had stressed the need for equal treatment for all Kenyans. 

‘’As I told our principal secretaries and Cabinet secretaries and as I tell every public servant, who has responsibility, who has a duty, who has the honour to serve our nation, let us, serve the people of Kenya and the Republic of Kenya,’’ he said.

“As I told our principal secretaries and Cabinet secretaries, and as I remind every public servant, we are here to serve Kenya,” Ruto said at the time.