Rift Valley leaders have rallied behind Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, praising his performance and affirming that he is the right person to serve as President William Ruto’s principal assistant.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot led the chorus of support, declaring that for the first time, Kenya has a deputy president who understands his job and supports the head of state without sowing division.
“The role of a deputy president is to assist the president—not to oppose him or fuel tribalism and incitement,” Cheruiyot said during a public gathering in Kabartonjo, Baringo County on Sunday.
The Senator further argued that Kindiki had originally won the vote to become Ruto’s running mate in 2022, but political circumstances led to a different choice.
“Kindiki won the vote. The other contender (Rigathi Gachagua) caused chaos and was picked. But after being given a chance, he failed. Kindiki has now reclaimed that seat and is performing excellently,” Cheruiyot added.
Braingo County Governor Moses Cheboi and Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Kindiki’s achievements during his time as Interior Cabinet Secretary.
“When you served as Cabinet Secretary for Interior, we began to experience real peace here in Baringo. The security situation changed significantly under your leadership. You laid a strong foundation, which your successor, Kipchumba Murkomen, has continued to build on. The people of Baringo truly appreciate your efforts.” said Cheboi
“He helped us resolve serious insecurity issues in Baringo. Where he left off, Murkomen has continued well,” Makilap added.
Deputy President Kindiki also received praise for promoting peace and unity. Reflecting on a moment of reconciliation, he expressed joy at seeing former political rivals, MPs Makilap and William Kamket of Tiaty, worship together. “That is a miracle, considering their history,” he remarked.
Governor Cheboi of Baringo commended President Ruto’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises, including the establishment of the first-ever university in the county. “People who say the President has not kept his promises haven’t been to Baringo. We’ve seen results,” Cheboi said.
The leaders also defended the ongoing community empowerment drives spearheaded by Kindiki. Sen. Cheruiyot and Baringo South MP Charles Kamuren brushed off criticism about fundraising for women’s groups, insisting it was a key pillar of the bottom-up economic model.
“They want us to stop empowering women? That will not happen,” Cheruiyot said. Kamuren added, “People are going to court over money I raise. But that’s my money. What do they want with it?”
Rift Valley leaders maintained that with Kindiki as Deputy President, Kenya is firmly on the right path.
Acknowledging the support from the leaders, Kindiki pledged to continue offering much needed assistance and wise counsel to the head of state in his mission to fulfil pre-election primises to Kenyans.
He announced the economy has stabilize and that stalled projects were now back on track.
“We’ve resumed work on long-pending roads. Before the next election, the road network will tell a different story,” he assured.
He also cited progress in electrification, noting that connected households had grown from 8.9 million in 2022 to 10.5 million today, with a target to reach all 15.6 million households in the next four years.
In his remarks, Kindiki called for continued prayers for President Ruto in his mission to transform Kenya.
“He found the country in a tough place and has done his best. Let’s pray for him to lead us to greatness.”
