Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has exuded the confidence that President, William Ruto would still pick him as running mate when the elections are called in 2027.
The deputy president, maintaining he wasn’t worried about how the events would play out, dismissed naysayers in the running mate question.
“When that exam comes, I will pass with flying colours,” Kindiki said.
“When we get there, 2027, I will be asked about what I did and I will explain myself,” he told a meeting of Meru leaders in Nairobi on Tuesday.
In an apparent swipe at his detractors, the DP said he was confident that he had lived up to the expectation of the office as designed.
“DP’s work is to assist the president and not fight the president…the latter is the work of the opposition. If you cannot (assist the president), quit and join the opposition,” he said.
Kindiki further dismissed narratives that he was there to buy time as Ruto prepares to pick another candidate for the next election.
“The issue of how long I will stay in this office is the least of my worries, the same for President Ruto. It doesn’t matter how long you stay but what you do while in office,” he quipped.
The DP said the government of the day wouldn’t be drawn into the politics as pushed by the opposition, adding that state functionaries weren’t scared of being heckled.
“Those waiting for us to go political are wasting their time. A leader doesn’t have to be popular all the time, but a good leader knows when to be popular,” he said.
Kindiki said it was regrettable that the lead critics of the Ruto government were once vice president, DP, and ministers.
“The question we should be asking is; what did you do during your time?” he said, reiterating that Kenya Kwanza would remain united to the end.
“We will ensure the people you represent get value from this administration…A house divided cannot stand,” he told Meru leaders.
Also in attendance was Water CS Eric Muuga as well as PSs Patrick Kilemi (Cooperatives), Roseline Njogu (Diaspora Affairs), and Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry).
Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi and former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi was also in attendance.
Kindiki said the meeting was aimed at discussing how the national government, working with local leaders, can unlock development projects for the people of Meru.
The DP said the deliberations, which he is expected to chair 39 others in the next 60 days, are to follow up on county charters President Ruto signed in the 2022 campaigns.
He said the charters were to be reviewed every year, suggesting that his predecessor Gachagua gave them a backburner.
“Our party was to call forums with all counties at the end of every year to evaluate progress made. The role of convening follow up and implementation of manifesto was assigned to the deputy president.”
“In the manifesto, we said the DP was to ensure what the government pledged is done and state the why and what the government is doing. Unfortunately, we delayed a little bit,” the DP said.
He argued that the government must give an account of what it is doing and explain why it has not done what it was supposed to do.
“This meeting is the DP’s meeting on behalf of the government…and the president to explain progress from now till 2027,” Kindiki said.
He said the engagements would be about new roads, water projects, and new electricity connections.
“This is the only way we can engage and explain our agenda. We are discussing development agenda of the governing administration.”
In the meeting, Kindiki cited Kenya Kwanza milestones to include the stability of the USD to the shilling, reduced food prices, and reduced inflation.
“President Ruto has worked to turn around macros and push Kenya to stability. The broad economic variables are moderated today and are under control,” the DP said.
“We have done two years of heavy lifting, now building on the strong foundation of a strong macro to roll out programs and projects that will increase money in the pocket of individuals,” Kindiki said.
