Be fair, Ruto's term isn't over yet, Kindiki tells critics

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged patience with President William Ruto’s administration, arguing that its performance should be assessed after completing the full five-year term.

Speaking at a consultative forum with Samburu County leaders yesterday, Kindiki called on critics to be fair in their judgment.

“I ask our critics to be fair to President Ruto. Everything he promised will be delivered—just give him time. He has a five-year term, and assessing his performance in two years is unfair,” he said.

“I want to ask our critics, be fair to President Ruto. All the things he promised will be achieved…just give him time. He has a five-year term. You cannot assess his performance for five years in two years. That's unfair,” he said.

His remarks come amid growing scrutiny of the administration at the halfway mark.

Kindiki’s comments reflect the government’s efforts to counter rising dissatisfaction from the public and opposition leaders, who accuse Ruto of failing to deliver on key campaign promises.

Last year, responding to widespread criticism, Ruto dismissed it as an “evil spirit.”

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for Devki Group’s Iron Processing Project in Taita Taveta County, Ruto said critics hinder development by failing to offer solutions.

“Let us pray for our country, and do away with this spirit of opposing everything on the internet," he said.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, in a shift of tone, warned online critics, saying, “I will come for you.”

Ruto’s allies have also moved to silence dissent. Last month, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah urged the president to ignore the criticism, saying he knew how to handle detractors.

“Those making noise, don’t you know them? Some once held big positions but are now at home. There are some governors making noise; shouldn’t we send them home? Mr President and your deputy focus on working for the people, leave these people making noise to me. I will deal with them,” he said while accompanying Ruto in Kapsaret.

This pushback has fueled debate over whether the government is open to accountability or merely deflecting criticism.

However, opposition leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka have vowed to keep pressing the government until its promises are fulfilled. Netizens have also pledged to fact-check both new and relaunched projects, declaring themselves the “official opposition.”

Despite the scrutiny, Kindiki insists criticism serves as a reminder of the administration’s commitments.

“We don’t mind being reminded of our promises—it helps us stay on target. But if we meet our goals, what will these critics say?” he posed.