Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has drawn a line under his exchanges with political critics, saying he will no longer answer insults with insults and has forgiven those who have attacked him. Speaking at the Solemn Assembly of Mt Kenya Elders at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County, Kindiki stated that he had chosen to listen to the advice of elders and avoid political fights, even as leaders take different positions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kindiki revealed that some of the people who had insulted him were individuals he had respected and worked with, but he had decided not to hold personal grudges against them. He mentioned that there were those who had called him names, but he had forgiven them unconditionally, stating that he had nothing personal against them.
The Deputy President emphasized that he had never been known as a politician who trades insults, although repeated attacks had sometimes forced him to respond. He urged politicians to use their campaigns to explain their policies instead of attacking leaders who hold different political views, saying that politicians should focus on selling their policies rather than engaging in personal attacks.
Kindiki stressed the importance of respecting fellow leaders and those above them, saying that this can help politicians remain in public life for longer. He warned that constant disrespect could work against them, adding that politicians needed to understand that political relationships can change and that leaders should learn to work with people regardless of their seniority.
The Deputy President personally resolved that he would not insult anyone, regardless of the political differences between them. He also warned politicians that attacks directed at them could extend beyond the individual and affect their families, particularly their parents, stating that those who insult him are also insulting his parents.
Kindiki's remarks come as political exchanges intensify among leaders preparing for the 2027 General Election. He urged politicians to move away from personal criticism and instead tell voters what they intend to do, saying that political competition should be based on policies and ideas. He maintained that belonging to different political camps should not turn disagreements into personal disputes.
Kindiki concluded by stating that he would continue taking guidance from elders and would avoid confrontations that serve no purpose. He called on leaders to maintain respect for one another despite their political differences, emphasizing that this is crucial for a healthy and productive political environment.
Key points
- Kindiki has forgiven his political rivals who had insulted him and will no longer respond to insults.
- The Deputy President urged politicians to focus on policy debates rather than personal attacks ahead of the 2027 General Election.
- Kindiki emphasized the importance of respecting fellow leaders and those above them to maintain a long and successful public life.
