Kindiki: Have you treated Ruto presidentially before demanding such from him?
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 18, 2026Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched a strong defence for President William Ruto over slur remarks.
Speaking on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, during a public event in Bomet County, Kindiki accused opposition figures and critics of spending their energy on insults rather than presenting clear policies to Kenyans.
Kindiki made it clear that critics cannot demand presidential conduct from Ruto after treating him and the office with disrespect.
“Badala ya kusema sera yenu, mmetumia muda wenu wote kutukana kudharau na kudhalilisha Rais wa Taifa la Kenya. Mimi nawauliza hivi, before you start demanding for President Ruto to act presidential, have you treated him in a presidential manner? Mumemwongelesha na kumwonyesha kama rais wa Kenya. Kabla ya muanze kusema ati lazima akae kama rais?” Kindiki said.
He added:
“You cannot demand that President Ruto should be presidential when you have used all your time to insult, to demean, the Office of the President, and the holder of that office. Na mimi nimesema enough is enough. Mimi nimeambia mdosi wangu sasa atulize ball. Awachane hawa watu ni watu wadogo. Awachie fireman, na wale wengine. We will deal with these characters. These are small timers.”
Kindiki dismissed many of the loudest voices as politically insignificant.
“Sisi tumepigana vita kubwa. Hii madharau na rais Ruto imetoka wapi? Na hawa jamaa, Mimi nimeambia mdosi wangu sasa atulize ball. Aniachie hawa watu. Hawa ni watu wadogo kisiasa. Wengine hawajakuwa anything. Wamekuwa tu mbunge one term. Mtu amekuwa mbunge one term. Hii one term anaambia watu yeye ndio one term, kwa sababu alikuwa mbunge one term. Na hakuna kazi ngine dunia hii amefanya.”
His remarks come amid sharp exchanges between Ruto and opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The clashes extended to personal attacks on appearances and lifestyles, sparking debate over whether Ruto lowered himself or responded to provocation.
Kindiki argued the criticism is unfair. He urged critics to focus on their own agendas rather than insulting the president.
Orengo and Osotsi call for Ruto’s impeachment
Meanwhile, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi have called for the impeachment of President Ruto following his remarks. Orengo stated that a state officer of the calibre of President Ruto must conduct themselves in ways that bring honour to the nation and dignity to the office they hold.
He added that the Constitution envisages that a state officer must refrain from hate speech, noting that the president’s recent remarks constitute pure hate speech.
Speaking during a Linda Mwananchi presser, Orengo said:
“I also want to join in by saying the president must be called to order. The grounds for impeachment include gross violation of the law and violation of the Constitution. His utterances constitute an abomination. In jurisdictions where parliaments are properly constituted, the president could be called to order through impeachment or sanctioned via a parliamentary resolution.”
Osotsi also criticised Ruto. said Ruto’s remarks do not portray a leader who should hold the presidency and added that his utterances border on misconduct, which is a ground for impeachment. Osotsi urged that a president should respect the laws of the land, the Constitution, and alternative opinions.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also echoed these sentiments, expressing his dissatisfaction with the push-and-pull between the president and the united opposition. He stated that such behaviour sets a wrong precedent and does not present a good example for young, emerging leaders.