DP Kindiki finally resurfaces, explains absence from public events

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed speculation about a potential falling out with President William Ruto, insisting that his recent absence from national and public events is due to a brief holiday.

Kindiki has been noticeably absent from several high-profile public events since the end of last year and the start of the New Year including President Ruto's New Year’s Eve address and dinner hosted at the Kisii State Lodge, as well as the Piny Luo Cultural Festival in Siaya County, which was attended by the Head of State, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The DP also missed separate occasions when President Ruto hosted Ghana's President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, and outgoing African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki at his Kilgoris home – both events attended by Raila.

Additionally, he did not attend the Friday burial of Mama Anne Nanyama, the mother of Speaker Moses Wetangula, raising further speculation about a potential rift between him and President Ruto. 

Kindiki's absence from the events has fuelled talks of a growing rift between him and Ruto given that it mirrors the early signs of tension that preceded the eventual parting of ways between Ruto and impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

He however finally made his first public appearance this year on Saturday and explained that he had taken a brief break from his official duties as DP in the days leading up to the last year’s festive season and is focused on enjoying his remaining time off.

“I am left with a few hours; my holiday is coming to an end and therefore I need to enjoy whatever is left and ignore everything else…completely,” he said in Tigoni, Kiambu County, when he attended the wedding of Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano’s son.

Despite the speculation, Kindiki expressed confidence in the year ahead, reiterating his strong support for President Ruto while thanking the Head of State for allowing him to go on leave.

“I am glad the President allowed me a few days off. I feel so energised and I believe that this is the year that all of us will rally, support the President and take Kenya to the next level,” he said.