Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has told off critics saying that he is not a yes-man.
The Deputy President insisted that he is his own man and that being the principal assistant to the president does not require him to agree to everything that he is told by his boss.
Kindiki said that his role does not also mean that he challenges the President because it is not among his constitutional responsibilities.
He added that while his role includes advising the President, he can only do so if Ruto seeks his counsel. The DP added that his allegiance is to the oath of office that he took when he became holder of the office.
“I am my own man. My understanding of the role of the Deputy President is not to challenge the President. It’s not in the Constitution, it is not in any law. As to whether the Deputy President can advise the President, the answer is yes. The oath of office I took is to advise the President when my counsel is sought faithfully. It doesn’t mean I have to do it on the podium. My allegiance lies in the oath of office,” Kindiki said on Thursday.
Kindiki was responding to a question that President William Ruto picked him to be his deputy because he is a 'Yes Man'.
President William Ruto appointed Kithure Kindiki as the Deputy President following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua.
Ruto highlighted several reasons why he chose Kindiki as his Deputy President.
He described the new Deputy President as a tireless public servant on the path of national leadership.
Ruto said Kindiki is a patriot whose dedication to cohesion, national unity and inclusivity is beyond reproach.
Kindiki was sworn in as Kenya’s third Deputy President under the new Constitution.
Before his nomination, Kindiki served as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration.