What began as a routine inspection of market construction works in Meru County quickly turned into an unexpectedly humorous moment after Meru County Governor Isaac Mutuma mistakenly referred to Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the “Deputy Governor of the Republic of Kenya.”

It occurred on Friday, May 23, during the inspection of ongoing construction at Kamachege Market in Imenti South Constituency, Meru County.

Governor Mutuma, accompanied by the newly appointed Meru deputy governor, Linda Gakii Kiome, addressed the gathered residents from atop a vehicle.

In a moment of visible excitement, he made a verbal slip that immediately drew laughter from the crowd.

“Your Excellency, the Deputy Governor of the Republic of Kenya,” said Governor Mutuma before quickly correcting himself and adding, “No — the Deputy President of our country, Kenya. I am over-excited for us to have our Deputy President here at home every day. Welcome so much, sir. We love you so much. The work you are doing in Kenya — we can’t even explain how we feel as the Ameru.”

The assembled crowd, which included local traders, residents, and community leaders, responded with warm laughter.

At the same time, Deputy President Kindiki smiled and gestured in appreciation of the governor's jovial error.

Governor Mutuma commended the deputy president's commitment to President William Ruto's agenda.

He noted the frequent visits to Meru, which have strengthened the relationship between the national government and the county's residents.

“Your Excellency, the way you are helping the president to articulate the government agenda every day — we are grateful. The day we were in Mwendantu, we told you: when you go to other parts of the country once, come to Meru four times. And that’s exactly what the Deputy President has done,” said Mutuma.

Turning his attention to the crowd, the governor asked with a broad smile, “Do you want the Deputy President to come to Meru like every day?” The crowd responded enthusiastically with a resounding “Yes!”

Further, Governor Mutuma also highlighted key development projects supported by the national government, particularly emphasising the Gakoromone Market, which he described as the largest market of its kind in Kenya.

“Your Excellency, as big markets are developed in other parts of the country, please bring us more like the one at Gakoromone—the largest of its kind. That market cost KSh 800 million, courtesy of you, the Deputy President, and President William Ruto,” remarked Mutuma.

In his closing remarks, the governor called on the residents of Meru to continue supporting the Kenya Kwanza government, drawing a parallel with prominent political figures who advanced through loyalty.

“Let us support our government. Some have said this leader only says ‘yes,’ but we believe that is wisdom. Moi said ‘yes sir’ to Kenyatta, and he became president. Ruto said ‘yes sir’ to Uhuru Kenyatta and became president. Please, Your Excellency, don’t say anything else apart from ‘yes sir’ — because we know how ‘yes sir’ ends,” said Mutuma.

Kindiki responded warmly, expressing gratitude to the people of Meru for their continued support. He promised that he and President William Ruto would return to Meru on Monday to oversee further development initiatives.

The Kamachege Market is among several priority infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering local trade and improving livelihoods in Meru County.

Source: TUKO.co.ke