By Mercy Achieng
A Facebook graphic shared on July 29, 2026, on the Kenya News Flash page features an image of President William Ruto, along with a direct quote attributed to him claiming that he has issued an ultimatum to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, giving him until December to resign because he “cannot bring in votes” and cannot beat former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Background
The claim concerns political developments within Kenya’s Executive, particularly the relationship between President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
In late 2024, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached and removed from office. Following his removal, President William Ruto nominated former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to serve as the Deputy President of Kenya.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua publicly taunted current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki by mocking his voice and calling him “Soprano” during political rallies. Gachagua also used political nicknames like “Kasongo” (referring to Ruto) and “Soprano” (referring to Kindiki), accusing them of using allies like Geoffrey Ruku to split Mt. Kenya.
Gachagua has accused the duo of using regional surrogates like Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku to intentionally split the Mt. Kenya vote along East and West regional fault lines.
In late July 2026, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua held a public media roundtable where he explicitly claimed that President William Ruto was attempting to force Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to resign.
The claim alleges internal conflict between President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Verification
There is no official statement from State House Kenya or President William Ruto’s official social media platforms, X ( formerly Twitter) and Facebook, issuing any ultimatum or demanding Deputy President Kindiki’s resignation.
A call for a sitting Deputy President’s resignation by the Head of State would be a major national news event. Credible news organizations in Kenya such as Citizen Digital, The Standard, Daily Nation, and NTV Kenya have published no reports validating the claim.
A Google reverse image search reveals that the photo featured in the digital card is an archival photograph taken on July 17, 2026, when President William Ruto hosted a delegation of leaders from Bungoma County at State House, Nairobi. completely unrelated to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Verdict
The graphic claiming President William Ruto demanded Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s Resignation is FAKE.
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