'We're no pushovers!' Kindiki fires back at critics

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has hit back at critics who question his calm approach to politics, dismissing calls for him to adopt a more confrontational style.

Speaking in his hometown of Irundini, Tharaka Nithi, on Friday, February 28, Kindiki accused some unnamed individuals of trying to provoke him into public outbursts.

“I am a man on a mission. Some want me to engage in meaningless political exchanges. Niko busy…I’m not available. But they should not take us for cowards, we are not pushovers,” he said.

Kindiki defended President William Ruto’s development record, urging Kenyans to ignore political distractions.

“We are on the right track. Don’t be deceived by people who have no touch with reality. We have done the best we could in the past two years, and we are going work harder to turn around the fortunes of the people in the next two years.”

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Wakome! We are not pushovers – DP Kindiki fires back at critics pic.twitter.com/qnVSsLrmZh — The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) February 28, 2025

He also criticised politicians he accused of sabotaging national progress for personal gain.

“I urge you not to fall into the tricks of evil-minded politicians who want to spoil for mwananchi if they realise they are not benefiting individually. That is evil, unpatriotic and reckless. Even if I wasn’t DP, I would still support Kenya’s development because it is the right thing to do,” he said.

Addressing concerns over stalled projects in Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties, Kindiki assured residents that plans were underway to revive key infrastructure, including projects in Embu County.

“We are restarting stalled projects across the country. Some roads in Embu, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi have been abandoned for years, some since 2014, due to funding shortages. It is dishonest to claim President Ruto started them. When they stalled under the previous administration, no one incited the public, yet now some are protesting. I have bad news for detractors—the government now has funds, and we will complete all stalled roads.”

Kindiki hosted more than 10,000 grassroots leaders and professionals from Tharaka Nithi, Meru, and Embu counties at his Irundini home, where he pledged to ensure the region benefits from the Ruto administration’s nationwide development programs.