Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has faced criticism from a section of Murang’a County residents and leaders following his comment about the chair of the National Assembly’s Budget Committee Ndindi Nyoro.
Murang’a residents led by Maragua MP Mary Wamaua came out to criticize Kindiki for the remark he made during a consultative forum with grassroots leaders from Taita Taveta County on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
The DP, while praising National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah who was also present at the forum, compared his position to that of a County Commissioner.
He, however, seemed to downplay the role of the Budget Committee chair, likening it to that of an assistant chief in comparison to a County Commissioner.
“Before we proceed, I want to ask the Majority Leader, because most of the matters will require Parliamentary support and a budget. The person responsible for pushing these things is the Majority Leader. Once the President gives his approval, the Majority Leader takes over,” Kindiki said.
“As for the chair of the Budget Committee, that position holds less power. It’s like comparing an assistant chief to a County Commissioner. Kimani Ichung’wah is the County Commissioner,” he added, amid laughter.
Kindiki’s comment has sparked backlash from Murang’a residents, who have urged Kindiki to respect Nyoro.
Kindiki called out for his Assistant chief remark
Maragua MP Wamaua expressed that if Ndindi Nyoro has offended anyone, he should still be respected.
Also Read: Gachagua Announces Plans to Work with Martha Karua After Visiting Her
She added that this is a time when leaders need to calm the political temperatures in the country, especially in the Mt. Kenya region.
“The political tensions in the country have led to my colleague and neighbor, Ndindi Nyoro, being referred to as an assistant chief. Does this imply that an assistant chief is of no value, to the point that we use it as a way to belittle others?” Wamaua questioned.
“We should instead recognize the important work they do for Kenyans at the grassroots level. If Ndindi Nyoro has wronged anyone, he should still be respected.”
On his part, Kiharu resident Mburu Ngugi expressed disappointment over the Deputy President’s comment, calling it unfortunate that he referred to their MP as a sub-chief.
Ngugi emphasized that while they respect Kindiki as the second in command, they never expected him to make such remarks about their MP.
He praised Nyoro’s work, describing it as exemplary, and noted that MPs from across the country have in the past visited Kiharu to benchmark from the lawmaker’s efforts.
“We never expected the Deputy President to make such remarks. The work Nyoro has done for his constituents is exemplary. In fact, we saw MPs from all over the country come to Kiharu for benchmarking,” he said.
Kindiki Meets Murang’a MPs
The remarks by Kindiki come at a time the DP has intensified efforts to challenge his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, for control of the Mt. Kenya region.
Also Read: Kindiki Moves to Counter Gachagua’s Influence in Mt Kenya
Recent activities of the second-in-command reflect his increased efforts to reduce Gachagua’s influence and unite the region under his leadership.
Earlier this week, he held a consultative meeting with a group of MPs from Murang’a County.
Among those who attended were Peter Kihungi (Kangema), Betty Maina (Woman Representative, Murang’a), Dr. Edwin Mugo (Mathioya), and Veronica Maina (Nominated Senator).
In a statement on January 23, Kindiki explained that the meeting was held to discuss priority development programs and projects. MP Nyoro was however conspicuously missing.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates
