Kithure Kindiki, CS Ruku Share Light Moment at State House after Public Tiff
- A video from a State House banquet showed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku engaging in friendly exchanges, dispelling rumours of tension between the two
- In a statement on May 12, Kindiki denied disrespecting Ruku at a recent event in Embu, describing reports of a public reprimand as a 'malicious twist'
- The deputy president emphasised that once individuals join the government, they must align with its policies and focus on development rather than criticising the administration they serve
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Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
It seems like all is well between Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and the newly appointed Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku.
Source: Facebook
During a banquet hosted by President William Ruto in honour of Finland's President Alexander Stubb at State House in Nairobi, a video captured Kindiki and Ruku engaging in friendly exchanges.
The two appeared at ease, sharing pleasantries and laughing together before parting ways.
The incident countered reports suggesting a rift between the two political leaders."
Did Kithure Kindiki publicly lecture CS Ruku?
This came hours after Kindiki clarified a video that appeared to show him publicly reprimanding CS Ruku.
In a statement shared on his social media pages on May 12, Kindiki rejected claims that he had disrespected Ruku during a recent event in Embu.
He called the reports "a desperate, mischievous, and utterly malicious twist." He emphasised that his remarks were not aimed at Ruku, whom he described as both a longtime friend and neighbour.
The country's deputy president clarified that his remarks were directed at a former Cabinet secretary from the same region and other past leaders who displayed similar behaviour, emphasising that governments worldwide function on the principle of collective responsibility.
Kindiki also stressed that once an individual joins the government, they must adhere to its policies, decisions, and actions.
He added that officials should prioritise promoting development instead of criticising the administration they represent.
"If you are in government, you are bound by government policy, decisions, and actions. Pretending to be 'clever' by undermining a government that you are a senior part of is illegal and anti-people. It is for the opposition to oppose, criticise, and correct the government," Kindiki's statement read in part.
Did Kindiki call out state officials criticising govt?
This came months after Kindiki criticised officials serving in the Kenya Kwanza government while publicly opposing it.
Source: Facebook
Speaking at a consultative forum with leaders and stakeholders from Tharaka Nithi county at his Karen home in Nairobi, Kindiki appeared to caution those continuing to work within the government.
He stated that a Cabinet secretary cannot serve in President William Ruto’s government while simultaneously criticising it.
The deputy president also urged leaders who continue to criticise the government to resign and join the opposition, led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
He emphasised that resigning would allow them to oppose freely, as they cannot serve the government while working against it.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
