Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the government’s handling of the recent fuel crisis, saying its resolution was achieved through a coordinated whole-of-government approach and dismissing claims that he was absent or uninvolved in the process.
Kindiki said reports questioning his role were based on misinformation. He said he was actively involved in high-level coordination meetings directed by President William Ruto.
The Deputy President was speaking on Friday during the International Day for Biological Diversity celebrations and the launch of the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration Programme (CHERISH) at Tebe Grounds in Marakwet East, Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
He dismissed criticism over his whereabouts during the crisis, insisting that leadership within government is collaborative and structured.
“They are asking where I was? Where fireman was? They don’t know that leadership is not forced. It is about working with everyone, that is why you see the President has a Deputy President, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and other workers who are helping him serve the people,” DP noted.
Kindiki further explained that he played a direct role in convening Cabinet Secretaries and guiding engagement with stakeholders following presidential direction.
“They don’t know I am the one who asked the respective Cabinet Secretaries to meet with the stakeholders after the President directed so. We had a prior meeting together with the CSs before they met the stakeholders. So don’t pay attention to those peddling lies,” he stated.
He emphasised that his constitutional duty is to support the President without hesitation whenever called upon to act.
“My principal duty is to assist the President, and whenever he asks me to do something, I do not hesitate because it is my foremost role as Deputy President,” he emphasised.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who is also the patron of the CHERISH programme, defended the Deputy President’s role, saying he was actively engaged in the decision-making process that led to the resolution of the fuel supply stalemate.
Murkomen praised Kindiki’s leadership style, describing it as focused on outcomes and teamwork.
“Your work ethic is exemplary. I have known you as my teacher, as my leader in the Senate and a colleague in Cabinet. Many people do not understand your working style because it is results-oriented. You called us for a meeting with me, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi. When we were done, you directed me to chair the meeting with the stakeholders,” CS Murkomen said.
He added that the Deputy President operates within a structured system that values coordination and respect for institutional roles.
“The Deputy President’s work ethic is exemplary. He understands his role very well and does not beat his chest and respects the President,” the CS added.
Local leaders also came out in support of Kindiki, praising his performance and dismissing claims that he has been inactive in government affairs.
Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said development progress in the country had been consistent under his tenure.
“Since you became Deputy President, everything has fallen in place, and we have witnessed a lot of development across the country,” Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said.
Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ngelechei urged the Deputy President to remain focused on his duties and ignore political distractions. “We are happy with the work you are doing as Deputy President because we know you are focused and hard working,” she said.
The event was attended by Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, Principal Secretaries Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry), Festus Ngeno (Environment), Chris Kiptoo (National Treasury), Salome Beacco (Correctional Services), Joel Arumonyang (Public Works), Belio Kipsang (Immigration), Aurelia Rono (Parliamentary Affairs) and Harry Kimtai (Mining), alongside governors, senators, MPs and other leaders from the region.