President William Ruto on Thursday showered praise on Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, calling him highly educated, focused, and a dependable partner whose leadership strengthens the government’s development agenda.
Speaking at Kinoru Stadium in Meru County before thousands of youths from Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, Ruto said:
“If you want to succeed, get a deputy who is more learned than you. You will be praised for his success.”
He contrasted Kindiki with his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, saying past leadership challenges had slowed development.
“I don’t want to say much, but the other one was not competent. Now I have a highly educated deputy who is equal to the task, who delivers and helps me implement development projects for Kenyans,” he said.
Ruto’s own journey mirrors his current deputy dynamics. As Deputy President under Uhuru Kenyatta (2013–2022), he was a key ally in delivering major government initiatives but later fell out over succession politics, turning allies into rivals. Similarly, Ruto and Gachagua once shared a strong partnership that secured the 2022 elections, but disagreements and Gachagua’s impeachment in 2024 ended their tandem.
While at the event , Ruto defended the Nyota youth empowerment programme, emphasizing that it is a grant, not a loan, aimed at grassroots youth to start businesses and improve livelihoods.
“This programme does not require anyone to pay to be enrolled. We will deal firmly with anyone who tries to extort money from the youth,” he said.
Deputy President Kindiki added:
“This is not a political campaign. It is a programme to empower households and uplift the youth. At least 90,000 young people will benefit through skills training, certification, and direct support.”
Ruto stressed inclusivity and action:
“Many children did not miss school because they were not intelligent, but because of poverty. That is why we are empowering them economically. We have spoken through action. Others only make promises.”
