Kindiki warns young politicians that challenging Ruto is a formidable task
By Steve Ireri, August 16, 2025Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a firm admonition to young politicians who have been vocally criticising President William Ruto and signalling ambitions for the highest office, describing their efforts as ill-advised and naïve.
Speaking during an empowerment programme in Baringo on Saturday, August 16, 2025, Kindiki emphasised that many of Ruto’s detractors lack a genuine understanding of his experience, strategic acumen, and the disciplined approach that has defined his career.
Kindiki highlighted that, despite widespread speculation, Ruto has not even fully activated his campaign machinery.
“Ruto has not even fully driven his campaign car yet; he has not pressed the accelerator. At present, he remains occupied with the work of the nation,” he said.
The Deputy President further noted that many of the young critics aspiring to challenge Ruto have never held positions of significant political authority, not even at the level of Cabinet Secretary.
He warned that their attempts reflect a profound underestimation of the discipline, strategy, and perseverance required to attain high office.
“Some who are criticising the President and want to challenge him are young and have never even held big positions, not even a Cabinet Secretary seat. This is very difficult, my friend. They are completely lost; they should go their own way,” Kindiki said.
He also emphasised that Ruto’s accomplishments have been forged through years of deliberate planning, relentless work, and unwavering commitment, traits that cannot be easily replicated by those new to the political arena.
According to Kindiki, the criticisms levied by emerging politicians are premature and reveal a lack of appreciation for the complexities of leadership at the highest level.
“Some of these people, I told them the other day they do not understand him. Either they have met him briefly or they think they know him, but they do not. Ruto has not even fully driven his campaign car yet; he has not pressed the accelerator. Right now, he is busy with work. Let the campaign begin properly; let Ruto don his suit and step onto the field to ask for votes, then people will see the fire,” he added.