Abra K; Ruto's moniker for Kindiki humours crowd

President William Ruto hugging his deputy Kithure Kindiki during the swearing ceremony in Nairobi on November 1, 204.[Stafford Ondego, Standard]

"Wewe si u smile,” President William Ruto was heard telling his newly sworn-in deputy, Kithure Kindiki, at a photo session. 

Standing alongside Chief Justice Martha Koome, Chief Registrar Fridah Mokaya, and their spouses, Ruto nudged Kindiki’s shoulder and, with a smile, whispered, “Wewe si u smile” ("Why don’t you smile?”), prompting cheers and laughter from the crowd.

Kindiki later took the podium, welcoming the president, who then welcomed his new deputy warmly. 

“Professor, my younger brother, let me call you Abraham K. Welcome to this great service of the Republic of Kenya,” he said, introducing his new moniker “Abra K.”

Ruto playfully explained, “I’ll call him Abra K… Abra K, please serve the people of Kenya. My brother Abra K, I listened to you; Kenyans listened to you. Serve without fear or favor.” 

The nickname echoed the trend of playful titles, similar to the monikers ‘Riggy-G’ for former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and “Zakayo” for Ruto himself, adopted by Kenyans after their swearing-in.

In his address, Ruto urged Kindiki to serve with dedication, subtly contrasting him with his predecessor. 

“We are here to serve the Republic of Kenya, not our communities or regions. Serve without ill will or fear,” he said, noting his confidence in Kindiki’s abilities and commitment to the Kenya Kwanza agenda.