Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has downplayed rising public hostility towards the Kenya Kwanza administration, including the recent heckling of President William Ruto in Isiolo during a development tour.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with Meru leaders at his Karen residence on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Kindiki reaffirmed that the government remains committed to delivering on its promises, despite facing criticism. He insisted that short-term discontent is a small price to pay for long-term progress.
‘We Would Rather Be Heckled Now Than Fail Later’
“There are people engaging in excessive politics of excitement, seeking cheers and applause out there. President Ruto has taught us not to go down that road. We would rather be heckled now and get it right at the election or at the ballot,” Kindiki stated.
His remarks came in response to growing criticism over the government’s infrastructure projects, particularly after President Ruto was jeered in Isiolo while launching a major road project.
Govt Prioritizing Development Over Popularity
The Deputy President took a direct swipe at critics who ridiculed Ruto’s road launch in Isiolo, emphasizing that the administration’s focus is on tangible development rather than short-lived political theatrics.
“I was happy when I saw people try to mock President William Ruto over the long road he was launching in Isiolo because I knew something they didn’t. But because the person making jests is on the phone, they don’t know where Samata or Kotulo is. When 2027 comes and we go to account, we will use that road from Isiolo to Mandera. Don’t worry about that,” he asserted.
Kindiki underscored that infrastructure projects like roads, water supply, and agriculture reforms might not be as politically thrilling as protests or rallies, but they remain the backbone of national progress.
“You know, this development work is boring work. It’s not exciting. Citizens love excitement, circus shows, and drama, but transformation work is expensive. You tell someone about cotton and tea, while they want to be incited; they want provocations like ‘Who should we fight? Who should we protest against?’—and you know humans are built that way,” he explained.
‘Tenure Doesn’t Matter—Impact Does’
Addressing opposition claims that President Ruto might serve only one term, Kindiki dismissed such concerns, stating that the true measure of leadership is not longevity but impact.
“The issue is not how long I will stay in this office. That’s the least of my worries. That is the least of my issues; the same for President Ruto. I see some people threatening that he will only serve one term… Does it really matter? It doesn’t matter how long you stay in office. What matters is what you do while in office,” he said.
Political Landscape Ahead of 2027
With the 2027 general election fast approaching, Kindiki’s remarks signal the administration’s determination to stand by its policies, even as public sentiment fluctuates. His statements suggest that the government is banking on the long-term success of its development agenda to counteract short-term criticism.
As political temperatures rise, the Kenya Kwanza government will continue facing scrutiny over its policies and governance. Whether the administration’s development projects will translate into electoral support remains a crucial question leading up to the next election.
