Silverio Omari
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has turned to the pulpit as a platform to connect the Kenya Kwanza government with the people, just under two weeks after taking office.
When he was sworn in on October 31, 2024, President William Ruto expressed hope that Kindiki would help amplify the government’s communication efforts. Ruto noted that, in the past two years, he had often been the only one conveying the government’s agenda and programs.
“My dear Prof. Kindiki, I need your voice, your intellect to help me and my cabinet colleagues to profile the work we’re doing and communicate our actions,” Ruto remarked. “I’ve been speaking alone, especially within the presidency, about our projects and explaining what we’re doing.”
Kindiki’s recent actions suggest that he is stepping up to support the president in articulating government issues, drawing inspiration from Ruto’s established church outreach strategy.
On Sunday, Kindiki attended a church service in Taita Taveta, far from Kakamega County where President Ruto worshipped. It was Kindiki’s first Sunday service after assuming office, setting the tone for his approach to Sundays. He spoke at length about the country’s economic progress, offering a message of hope.
At Jesus Palace of Praise Church in Mwatate, Kindiki highlighted the recent improvements in Kenya’s currency, noting that the Kenyan shilling, which had once been weak against the US dollar at Sh165, was now stronger at Sh127. He explained that a stronger shilling is a sign of a healthier economy, which allows lower-income citizens to better manage their daily lives.
In his first Sunday service address, Kindiki also spoke on unity and patience, emphasizing the government’s efforts to improve the lives of Kenyans. “The government is addressing economic challenges and working to raise household incomes. We thank Kenyans for their patience as we make progress,” he said.
Church services have long been an ideal venue for politicians and officials to discuss national issues, with the added benefit of enabling political messaging. Kindiki’s involvement in these services is seen as part of the government’s broader effort to counter public discontent through clear and timely communication. As Deputy President, Kindiki is expected to increase his presence at public events, including church services, to become the face of government messaging.
While his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, and President Ruto were frequent attendees of church services during the years leading up to the 2022 elections, Kindiki was rarely seen at such events. Over the last two years, he attended a few services, mostly in Mount Kenya, and these were typically low-key events without live broadcasts—unlike his Sunday appearance in Mwatate.
Previously, as Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kindiki spent much of his time in regions affected by banditry and Al-Shabaab, particularly in the North Rift and Northern Kenya. Despite being the son of a bishop in the Kenya Methodist Church, Kindiki’s church attendance had been relatively limited compared to other leaders.
However, his church engagements have not been entirely absent. In 2023, he attended services at various locations, including St. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo Catholic Church in Meru, Kenya Assemblies of God in Kirinyaga, and Methodist Church of Kenya in Tharaka Nithi, among others. These visits reflect his ongoing connection to the church, though he has generally been less visible at national church events.
Dj Vnyash
