{
  "id": 8466482,
  "title": "Kindiki turns over a new leaf, vows not to engage in political insults",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/kindiki-turns-over-a-new-leaf-vows-not-to-engage-in-political-insults",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-19T13:35:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/kindiki-turns-over-a-new-leaf-vows-not-to-engage-in-political-insults"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Deputy President Kithure Kindiki pledged on Saturday, September 19, 2026, not to engage in political insults with his critics, asserting that he views those attacking him as fellow brothers regardless of their differing opinions. Speaking at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County, Kindiki recounted receiving numerous insults from respected individuals, yet he would not reciprocate with disrespect. \"Mimi najua nimepata matusi mengi na ndugu zangu. Ndugu zangu ambao mimi nimewaheshimu,\" he declared. Kindiki emphasized the importance of respecting leaders who once held positions similar to his, even if their tenure ended poorly. \"Ndugu zangu ambao wao, siku ile walikuwa na nafasi ambaye niko nayo, mimi sikuthubutu kuwaletea kejeli ama madharau. Ilikuwa na heshima, ilikuwa na athamani,\" he stated. He clarified that he was not accountable for the career downfall of some of his predecessors, attributing their political difficulties to how they interacted with surrounding leaders. \"Na hata kama kazi yao iliharibika, mimi sio niliyeharibu. Mimi sikuhusika kabisa,\" Kindiki explained. His statements come amidst increasing political tension in the Mt Kenya region, where leaders have diverged over the region's political path leading up to the 2027 General Election. Kindiki cautioned against arrogance and disrespect, urging leaders capable of collaborating with both senior and junior colleagues to maintain leadership for extended periods. \"Ukijua kukaa vizuri na mkubwa wako na mdogo wako, utakaa miaka mingi na utatawala miaka mingi,\" he advised. He criticized leaders who tend to insult senior and junior colleagues and engage in political conflicts with elected officials. \"Lakini ukiwa mtu wa kiburi, mtu ya ujanja, mtu ya madharau... unatusi mkubwa yako, unatusi mdogo yako, unapigana na MP, unapigana na sijui MCA,\" he added. Kindiki concluded on a reconciliatory note, asserting that personal political disagreements would not drive him against his fellow countrymen. \"Mimi nimesema ya kwamba mimi hata hata ikuwe nini, mimi siwezi kupigana na ndugu zangu,\" he affirmed. This address occurred during Kindiki's inaugural meeting with Mt Kenya West elders at Kirigiti Stadium, where he and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku received traditional regalia. The meeting convened elders from the Gikuyu, Aembu, Mbeere, and Ameru communities, with Kindiki highlighting the aim of fostering unity and endorsing positive cultural values. This meeting followed a similar gathering in Mt Kenya East at Nembure, Embu County, just days prior. Kindiki's message echoes his remarks made in Meru on September 17, 2026, where he expressed forgiveness towards his critics and a continued commitment to respecting them despite political hostility. He has consistently urged political adversaries to concentrate on development agendas and records rather than personal attacks as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.",
  "summary": "Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said he will not engage in political fights with his critics, insisting that he considers those attacking him to be his brothers despite their differences. Speaking at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County on Saturday, September 19, 2026, Kindiki said he had received many insults from people he respected, but would […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Deputy President Kithure Kindiki vows not to engage in political insults",
    "Kindiki sees critics as brothers despite differing opinions",
    "He urges leaders to collaborate and maintain leadership for extended periods"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}