Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended his role in resolving the recent fuel crisis, saying the government adopted a coordinated approach that involved several ministries and agencies under the direction of President William Ruto.
Speaking on Friday 21 May 2026 , during celebrations to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity and the launch of the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration Programme at Tebe in Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kindiki dismissed reports questioning his whereabouts during the fuel crisis, terming them misleading and uninformed.
The Deputy President said he was actively involved in efforts to find a lasting solution to the standoff that had threatened to disrupt transport and economic activities across the country.
“They are asking where I was, where the fireman was. They do not know leadership is not forced. Leadership is about working together,” said Prof Kindiki.
He explained that the government handled the crisis through collective responsibility, with Cabinet Secretaries and other senior government officials working together to implement directives issued by the President.
“You see the president has a deputy president, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and other workers helping him serve the people and hat is how government operates,” he noted.
Prof Kindiki revealed that he chaired a high-level meeting bringing together relevant Cabinet Secretaries before stakeholders were engaged in negotiations aimed at resolving the stalemate.
“They do not know that I am the one who asked the respective Cabinet Secretaries to meet the stakeholders after the President directed so and we had a prior meeting together with the CSs before they met the stakeholders. So do not pay attention to those peddling lies,” he stated.
The second in command said he remains committed to discharging his constitutional mandate as the principal assistant to the President, adding that he would continue supporting government programmes without hesitation.
“My principal duty is to assist the President and whenever he asks me to do something, I do not hesitate because it is my foremost role as Deputy President,” he said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen backed the Deputy President, saying Prof Kindiki played a central role in the discussions that ended the fuel impasse.
Murkomen, who is patron of the CHERISH programme, praised the Deputy President’s leadership style, describing it as result-oriented and focused on teamwork rather than personal publicity.
“Prof Kindiki work ethic is exemplary. I have known him as my teacher, as my leader in the Senate and now as a colleague in Cabinet,” said Murkomen.
He disclosed that Prof Kindiki convened a meeting involving himself, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi before directing him to lead further engagements with stakeholders.
“When we were done, you directed me to chair the meeting with the stakeholders,”he said.
The Interior CS accused critics of attempting to create divisions within government, saying they were uncomfortable with leaders who preferred collective responsibility over individual glorification.
“The Deputy President understands his role very well. He does not beat his chest and he respects the President,” said Murkomen.
Local leaders also rallied behind Prof Kindiki, lauding him for supporting the implementation of the government’s development agenda across the country.
Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich at the same time said the country had witnessed notable progress since Prof Kindiki assumed office as Deputy President.
“Since you became Deputy President, everything has fallen into place and we have witnessed a lot of development across the country,” said the governor.
Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ngelechei further urged the DP to ignore critics and remain focused on assisting the President in delivering the government’s promises to wananchi.
“We are happy with the work you are doing as Deputy President because we know you are focused and hardworking,” she said.
The event also was attended by Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, several Principal Secretaries, governors, Members of Parliament, MCAs and residents from across the North Rift region.
