I'm Quiet, Doesn't Mean I'm Scared: Kindiki Warns Critics

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has warned political leaders not to take advantage of his quietness, restraint, and soft-spoken character.

Speaking during a Thanksgiving service in Embu on Sunday, January 5, the Deputy President outlined that he is a man of less talk and more action when it comes to delivering the promises of Kenya Kwanza to Kenyans, thus he ought to be taken seriously.

"I don't talk much, that is who I am, sometimes people look at me and wonder how I got here because of how quiet I am. They look at how I speak and think that I am timid, but that's not the case," the DP lashed out.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during Sunday worship and thanks giving service at Full Gospel Church, Kamumu, Mbeere North, Embu County on January 5, 2025. /KITHURE KINDIKI

"Leadership is not about arrogance, voice, and other things, leadership is about delivering, so let us respect each other here. There is a difference between leadership and populism."

He called out those who took him for granted when he was the Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) to the point of doubting his capabilities in terms of tackling criminal activities across the country.

"They kept on saying I couldn't deal with criminals in Kerio Valley, but today, there is peace in Kerio Valley due to the work I did there," Kindiki affirmed.

The DP further revealed that he was not going to change his character and make noise but called for respect on all levels, from leaders to residents.

He also called out leaders who have been criticising the government, challenging them to remain quiet if they could not offer solutions to the issues they condemned.

"If you have anger issues, don't bring it to leadership, please, let's respect each other. I repeat, let's respect each other. I have given you all the respect, but you must also respect me," the DP warned.

Kindiki was making only his second public appearance in a while. On Saturday, January 4, he clarified that there was no rift between him and his boss, President William Ruto when he resurfaced after being missing from the public eye for weeks.

The claims emerged after Kindiki, who since taking office in November has been with the Head of State in many major public events, quietly left the public space, making no appearances even for the burial of National Assembly Moses Wetangula's mother on Friday.

I'm glad President Ruto allowed me a few days off. I feel so energised- DP Kithure Kindiki explains his whereabouts#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/Jet5mLLLRZ — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) January 4, 2025