- Vice President Kithure Kindiki disclosed his pivotal influence in resolving tensions between President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
- Kindiki claimed he identified and disarmed deliberate schemes aimed at keeping Ruto and Uhuru at odds after the 2022 General Election
- The directing politician emphasized the significance of showing respect to past presidents. They pointed out that Uhuru is the only still-living Former Head of State of Kenya.
- In a notable reversal from past animosity, Kindiki stated that Ruto and Uhuru have reconciled, thereby paving the way for enhanced nationwide unity
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has revealed that he played a key role in de-escalating tensions between President William Ruto and his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, after years of strained political relations.
Kindiki stated on Wednesday, January 29, while hosting a delegation from Tharaka Nithi County at his official residence in Karen, that he uncovered and neutralised plots aimed at keeping the two leaders in opposition.
Kindiki spoke candidly about his difficulties with the former head of state in the run-up to the 2022 general election.
The President countered his detractors, arguing that when it mattered, they had rebelled against their previous leader.
He clarified that there had been claims, described as "deliberate efforts" by some, that sought to keep Uhuru and Ruto apart, but he intervened to put a stop to them and dismantle them.
They're speaking with an air of superiority here, one of them is extremely confident... we've encountered many individuals. We even respectfully disagreed with President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was the commander-in-chief, when we considered it necessary because certain people around him were exerting undue influence, causing him to lose his judgment.
"Nowadays, we have become firm allies and friends. I discovered that there were many obstacles deliberately put in place to drive a wedge between William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta, but I was able to expose them," Kindiki said.
"Understandably, many consider Uhuru pivotal to Kenya's stability, as its three main components – peace, unity, and history – are intertwined in such a way that one is inextricably linked to the other."
Kindiki further noted the significance of demonstrating respect for ex-presidents, especially considering that Uhuru is currently the only surviving former head of state following the passing of Daniel Arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki.
It's damaging to our country to have our former president complaining publicly. This is also unfortunate because he is the only living former head of state left. If our nation is struggling with an enormous crisis, we would need someone with significant standing to reach out to President Ruto and urge the nation to come together.
According to Kindiki, a retired president retains a special moral influence to navigate national crises.
He recommended that even though the government is firmly under Ruto's leadership, Uhuru still has a significant contribution to make in Kenya's political scene.
In a significant move from their once bitter political feud, Kindiki confirmed that Ruto and Uhuru had put aside their differences and reconciled.
The country's elderly leaders, Mzee Moi and Kibaki, have passed on, and as of now, only a retired president has the potential to assume that role, which would be Uhuru Kenyatta.
"We're aware Ruto is our chief, but as a former head of state, he possesses moral authority, enabling him to engage in discussions with the current head of state when problems arise and reach a consensus on how to salvage the nation. Looking forward, we'll be close friends," the Deputy President emphasized.