Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has slowly proven not to be an easy pushover, roaring on every lectern as he shrugs off social media trolling and presumed timidity.

Now armed with the knack of swift rebuttals and abreast with the art of not taking prisoners, Kindiki has become the DP who never lacks a response to antagonism.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has even branded him as "Mr. Moneybags", accusing him of misappropriating government funds through his countrywide empowerment programmes. 

Former Chief Justice and Public Service Justin Muturi, along with other legislators opposing the ruling administration, has also joined the bandwagon, using snide remarks that mimic Kindiki's falsetto voice and highlight how his threats barely intimidate anyone.

Recently, a video of him speaking during a meeting with leaders from Embu County in January resurfaced online, bashing critics who attempt to muddy his name and his voice.

"Before you start introducing me, that I don't have a bass... who does not have a bass? And this mockery is what is plaguing people. Do I look like someone who lacks a bass?" he said.

The video has elicited reactions among Kenyans, even seemingly acting as ammunition for his political nemesis. Others say he was not talking about his voice but rather his political "base", but we doubt he is losing sleep over that.

Since January, however, Kindiki's has only escalated his trail of harsh and prompt rejoinders and has maintained a scuffle with Gachagua.

In late May 2025, Gachagua faulted Kindiki for luring artists to endorse government programs, claiming they were being used to paint a false picture of development and good governance.

A day later, an agitated Kindiki fired at Gachagua, questioning his brazen statements that posed a threat to national unity. 

"In what capacity are you lecturing us? You lecture musicians, politicians, are you God?" said Kindiki during a public address.

DP Kindiki has repeatedly urged Kenyans not to fall into the trap of those propagating incitement and division in pursuit of their political interests at the expense of the country’s unity and development.

“There's only one Kenya. The country will develop if all the communities co-exist. It is the agenda we are pursuing relentlessly that is why we will not lend space to those trying to divide and incite Kenyans along tribal lines,” DP said during a past event in Meru County.

Targeting the empowerment of youth and women, the initiative is meant to complement other fully-fledged programs, including National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) and Kenya Jobs Economic Transformation.

The programme has been engaging saccos belonging to youths, women, and small-scale traders across the country.

DP Kindiki has vehemently defended the programme, saying it is meant to complement other far-reaching policies being implemented.

“Empowerment is central to bettering the lives of millions of Kenyans, especially those at the grassroots. This is something we will not relent in pursuing. Anyone opposed to it doesn't know how Ksh.10,000, Ksh.20,000, Ksh.50,000 is crucial to uplifting someone's hustle,” he indicated at a past event in Meru County.

So far, Kindiki has noted that many micro and small-scale traders have benefited as the initiative is intensified nationally.

“Our men, women and youths don't need freebies. They need to be empowered now and not during elections."

DP Kindiki seems not to be bowing to attacks from his political rivals, ready to prove that he is willing to go after anybody's jugular if you pick a fight with him.

He is also embracing his “defender-in-chief” role, censuring those going after President William Ruto’s administration.

Kindiki has affirmed his loyalty to President Ruto, telling off critics urging him to challenge his boss on unpopular policies.

"When President William Ruto was elected, our economy had declined, it was in a bad state because for nearly two years, 2020–2021, no work continued in Kenya or worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic," Kindiki noted in Machakos. 

"Businesses were shut down, matatus were parked, there was no cleanliness, no hotels opened, and we couldn’t go to work. It was the coronavirus pandemic that caused the economic damage."

For Kindiki, what started as wearing a cloak of sanity, owing to his quiet demeanour while manning the Interior Ministry, is now morphing into an adoption of the nonchalance and foolhardy of Kenyan politics.