By Bonface Mulyungi

President William Ruto has defended Deputy President Kithure Kindiki against critics, praising him as intelligent and humble and dismissing leaders who, he said, demean the DP while offering nothing but insults.

“Huyu muungwana ni mtu ako na akili. Ni mtu mwenye hana kiburi… Kuna watu wako na madharau, wako na kiburi mingi wanamdharau huyu jamaa, wanamuita Soprano. Nataka niwaambie huyu Professa anawashinda akili mara mia moja… Huyu Kindiki ndiye naibu Rais wa Jamhuri ya Kenya,” Ruto said.

The President spoke in Tharaka-Nithi County on Sunday after attending a church service in Rubate and later handing over the newly-built Chuka Modern Market, a Ksh300 million facility.

Ruto was accompanied by Kindiki, Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Public Service Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi, MPs and MCAs.

During the engagements, leaders allied to the administration said the government was focused on delivering solutions rather than shifting blame.

They cited reforms in education, including the hiring of more teachers and changes to the university funding model, and pointed to agriculture interventions such as subsidised fertiliser and digitised purchasing aimed at curbing cartels.

The leaders also defended the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying healthcare access has improved since the scheme was rolled out, and claimed Tharaka-Nithi was among the leading counties in registrations.

They also cited payments made to health facilities in the county in the past year.

Ruto urged Kenyans to judge leaders based on their development record, saying his administration is focused on transforming the country.

He also referenced ongoing infrastructure plans, including the Nithi Bridge project and compensation for affected sections.