NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto on Wednesday took a pointed swipe at his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua while publicly praising Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, saying the latter understands government operations and has made his work easier.
Speaking at the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Aspirants Forum at State House, Ruto compared Kindiki’s performance to his own tenure as Deputy President under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“I was once the Deputy President under Uhuru Kenyatta; the work that this gentleman Kindiki is doing now is the same work I used to do when I was Deputy President,” Ruto said.
The President said he was satisfied that his current deputy understands both policy and execution across key sectors of government.
“Today, I am happy that I have a principal assistant who understands his work,” Ruto added.
In remarks that appeared to target Gachagua, Ruto questioned whether his former deputy had the same grasp of government affairs.
“Let me ask you, if it were that other person, would he have the brain to understand things the way Kindiki does?” the President posed to the audience.
Ruto said governance had become smoother since Kindiki took office, citing improved coordination and shared responsibility.
“My work has become easier because today I have an assistant who understands government matters. He understands roads, electricity, universal health coverage, education, and even savings. Now we share the work, and I am happy,” he said.
The comments came as Ruto addressed UDA aspirants on the Kenya Kwanza administration’s implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
During the forum, Kindiki outlined progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, housing, agriculture, and job creation, positioning the government’s record as a central message ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua served as Ruto’s deputy from September 2022 until October 2024, when he was impeached by Parliament.
The impeachment, which was upheld by the Senate, followed accusations including abuse of office and incitement of ethnic divisions.
After Gachagua’s removal, Ruto appointed Kindiki—then Interior Cabinet Secretary—as Deputy President, a move that reshaped the leadership of the executive and consolidated control within the ruling coalition.
