Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a fiery response to the ongoing political debate surrounding the controversial “wantam” slogan, defending President William Ruto and condemning what he described as personal attacks against him.
In his remarks, Kindiki questioned why similar criticism was never directed at former Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Mwai Kibaki, emphasizing that no leader is perfect. He noted that, like all humans, Ruto can make mistakes, but the animosity behind the “wantam” rhetoric goes beyond performance and reflects a personal agenda.
Kindiki further suggested that those fueling the slogan have ulterior motives and called on his supporters to remain steadfast in defending the President. He expressed readiness to confront those he accused of unfairly attacking Ruto, framing the debate as one of loyalty versus politically motivated hostility.
The remarks have reignited discussion on the growing intensity of political discourse in Kenya, with critics warning that such statements risk heightening divisions and inflaming tensions, particularly along political and regional lines. Supporters of Kindiki’s stance, however, see his comments as a strong defense of leadership and a call for fairness in public criticism.
As Kenya’s political environment continues to evolve ahead of future elections, Kindiki’s intervention highlights the increasingly personal and charged nature of political debates, emphasizing both the loyalty of ruling party members and the volatility of contemporary political rhetoric.
