Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has hit back at critics following a recent heckling incident in Isiolo during President William Ruto’s development tour of the region.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with Meru leaders at his Karen residence on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Kindiki dismissed concerns about public hostility towards the government.
He argued that President Ruto’s administration would prefer to face temporary criticism while fulfilling its promises.
“There are people engaging in excessive politics of excitement, seeking cheers and applause out there. President Ruto has taught us not to go down that road. We would rather be heckled now and get it right at the election or at the ballot,” Kindiki stated.
The Deputy President particularly took aim at critics of the government’s infrastructure projects, referencing the recent mockery of President Ruto’s road launch in Isiolo.
“I was happy when I saw people try to mock President William Ruto over the long road he was launching in Isiolo because I knew something that they didn’t know. But because the person making jests is on the phone, he doesn’t know where Samata or Kotulo is? And when 2027 comes and we go to account we will use that road from Isiolo to Mandera. Don’t worry about that,” he stated.
Kindiki characterized development work as less politically exciting but crucial for the country’s transformation.
“You know this development work is boring work. It’s not exciting. Citizens love excitement, circus shows, and drama, but transformation work is expensive. You tell someone about cotton and tea, while they want to be incited; they want provocations like ‘Who should we fight? Who should we protest against?’—and’ you know humans are built that way,” he explained.
Responding to opposition threats of a one-term presidency, Kindiki remained unmoved.
“The issue is not how long I will stay in this office. That’s the least of my worries. That is the least of my issues; the same for President Ruto. I see some people threatening that he will only serve one term… Does it really matter? It doesn’t matter how long you stay in office. What matters is what you do while in office,” he asserted.
