Ruto, Kindiki make first joint appearance after weeks of speculation

The outing came after weeks of intense speculation about the Deputy President's conspicuous absence from key events, which fuelled rumours of a schism among Kenya Kwanza's top leadership.

Kindiki, who resurfaced on Saturday at a wedding in Tigoni, revealed that he had taken a 15-day vacation, his first since taking office. 

He told attendees that he was now fully back at work.

At a Sunday church service in Kimumu, Mbeere North, the DP reiterated its position, declaring that the Kenya Kwanza government was "finally coherent" after two years of internal squabbles.

Kindiki dismissed speculation about his absence, claiming that the government's focus is now solely on service delivery rather than political grandstanding or popularity contests. 

His absence from major events in the last few weeks had fuelled speculation of a widening gap between him and the President.

Kindiki missed several high-profile events, including President Ruto's New Year's Eve address and dinner at Kisii State Lodge, as well as the Piny Luo Cultural Festival in Siaya County, which was attended by Ruto, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, and Raila Odinga. 

He was also absent when Ruto welcomed Ghana's President-elect John Mahama and outgoing African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki to his Kilgoris home.

Further raising eyebrows, the Deputy President skipped the burial of Mama Anne Nanyama, mother to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, on Friday. 

His absences were likened to the early schisms that marked the breakdown of relations between President Ruto and his impeached predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua.