Respect is two way! Kindiki warns Kalonzo over unprovoked attacks

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to avoid public criticisms, saying he would not engage him in political exchanges out of respect.

In a statement, Kindiki said he has no issue with Kalonzo choosing not to work with him politically but cautioned against continued negative remarks.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering its development agenda for all Kenyans, regardless of political alignments.

Kindiki also noted that respect should be mutual in leadership.

Despite their differences, he maintained that Kalonzo remains his elder brother but said he would respond if the public remarks persist.

“I hear my big brother Kalonzo has said he doesn’t wish to work with me politically. That is fine with me. For the unkind things he has said about me, I won’t answer him back publicly, not because I can’t, but because I never do public duels with people I respect," Kindiki said on X.

“If he continues, I will happily tackle him head-on. Respect is a two-way street. For now, Kalonzo will remain the good big brother I have known for decades."

The Deputy President’s statement follows Kalonzo’s remarks on Sunday, where he said the government should not waste time seeking his political support.

He also claimed the government had been associating his name with economic empowerment programmes in the Ukambani region.

“They will come in many ways. To soften the ground, they are using my name,” Kalonzo said.

Kindiki has been leading the rollout of empowerment initiatives across the country.

The Wiper leader further stated that following President William Ruto’s apology, the Deputy President should also apologise to Kenyans over the deaths reported during the June 2024 anti-government protests, citing his former role as Interior Cabinet Secretary.

Over the past week, Kindiki had promised to reach out to Kalonzo for consultations on the region’s development, as he had been tasked with the people.

He referred to Kalonzo as his “elder brother”, expressing deep respect for the former Vice President and stating his intent to reach out to him personally.

“I have come from far with Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and there’s never been a time I’ve insulted or disrespected him. He is my brother, and like all leaders from Ukambani—even those in the opposition—he remains my friend,” Kindiki said.