NAIROBI, Kenya – Despite ongoing criticism of the incumbent Kenya Kwanza administration, Deputy President Kindiki Kithure posted images of himself arriving at work early on Monday, January 13, 2025.
In the uncaptioned post, DP Kindiki was seen getting out of his official car, carrying his coat in one hand, and making his way directly to his office.
Kindiki’s action is a rip-off of his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, who was ousted from office in late 2024.
Gachagua’s commitment to the Kenya Kwanza manifesto was well-known during his time in office.
Even if it was raining, he usually posted photos of himself getting up at 5am to work.
For instance, in the April 2023 post, he admired Kenyans who braved the weather to work, demonstrating their resilience.
“Time check: 5.30am. As I drove through the city on my way to work early this morning, I was amazed by the resilience of the Kenyan people. Despite the heavy downpours, Kenyans are briskly walking to work as drivers beat the traffic and drainage challenges,” he stated.
Gachagua made these remarks following weeks of nationwide protests, during which thousands of Kenyans marched against high living costs and alleged fraud in the 2022 elections.
KAREN, NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 Establishment and operationalization of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs) hold the key to Kenya’s industrialisation and job creation objectives. Construction of four SEZs/EPZs in…
However, DP Kindiki’s photos of himself reporting early to work shared on the Office of the Deputy President’s official X account (formerly Twitter) have divided Kenyans.
How Kenyans reacted to DP Kindiki’s photo post
Y News sampled some of the reactions below:
@real_dismas said:
“Maandishi haya si mageni jijini.”
@xfrankq opined:
“People of Mount Kenya East will be led by the Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, to the government. Not by Gachagua to the opposition.”
@mchanner1:
“Same script and stunts.”
@kennedywahome5
“Ata yule mlifukuza alianza tu hivi alafu akatumwa nyumbani. We know the script.”
@BcKulei commented:
“This morning, I couldn’t help but smile when I saw a leader waking up early to work for Kenya. It’s inspiring, really, such dedication and self-discipline. But then, that smile quickly turned to frustration as I remembered how, despite this apparent commitment, many of these leaders have looted our resources and driven our economy to the brink, all for selfish gain. It’s maddening! Why can’t we do the right thing for once? 
”
@c_kechei001 said:
“Ameanza drama kama mwenzake. I thought anaishi uko?”
@onyarirobert wrote:
“This is how it starts, then after 3 months you are fired or impeached. 
.”
@kevinxmarl said:
“Good morning, sir.”
Why DP Kithure Kindiki reported early to work
Y News has established that first on the agenda upon arriving early in the office, DP Kindiki held a review meeting on the status of ongoing construction of SEZs/EPZs and to unlock bottlenecks on the Dongo Kundu (Mombasa), Samburu (Kwale), Naivasha, and Njoro (Nakuru) SEZs/EPZs.
According to DP Kindiki, establishing and operationalising special economic zones (SEZs) and export processing zones (EPZs) are key to Kenya’s industrialisation and job creation objectives.
The second in command disclosed that construction of four SEZs/EPZs in Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Eldoret, and Busia is 50% complete and will be completed by June 30, 2025.
“The government is expediting the provision of access roads, water, electricity, and ICT facilities and the identification of lead investors to ensure the operationalisation of the four SEZs/EPZs immediately after construction ends,” said DP Kindiki.
Principal Secretaries and heads of relevant agencies were present during the early morning meeting.
Since assuming power in September 2022, the Kenya Kwanza government, led by President William Ruto, has faced criticism primarily from opposition leaders and Gen-Z, who accuse the administration of deteriorating the education system and mismanaging various aspects of governance.
Critics have also pointed out the government’s perceived dismissive attitude toward public concern, highlighting allegations of contempt and violence against dissenting voices.
