Deputy President Kithure Kindiki sparked laughter and raised eyebrows at the National Prayer Breakfast when he referred to Chief Justice Martha Koome as “my lady”, prompting him to quickly explain the term to avoid trouble with his wife, Dr Joyce Kindiki, who sat nearby with a stern look.
The moment unfolded on May 28, 2026, at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi during the 23rd edition of the annual event that brings together leaders from government, judiciary, and faith communities.
Kindiki stood to speak at the high-profile gathering attended by President William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and other dignitaries.
He addressed the chief justice directly in his remarks. “My lady, Chief Justice Martha Koome read for us the scripture,” he said, using the phrase common in legal circles.
The comment landed awkwardly. Cameras caught Joyce Kindiki, a senior lecturer in environmental chemistry at the University of Nairobi, shifting in her seat with a serious expression that social media users compared to past Kenyan political moments. Attendees chuckled as the Deputy President noticed the vibe and moved to clarify.
Why did Kindiki rush to explain calling Martha Koome “my lady”?
He addressed the room immediately to clarify the situation. In his speech, Kindiki told the audience, “And for those who are not lawyers, let me clarify.” The term that I have used for my big sister Martha Koome, ‘my lady’, is purely legal terminology used in the profession. Otherwise, in the ordinary course of things, my lady is Joyce.”
He continued, “So I need to clarify so that I don’t get into trouble with Joyce and her friends after this.” Laughter filled the hall as he emphasised the point, clearly aiming to keep peace at home while honouring the chief justice’s role.
The incident spread fast online. Kenyans flooded social media with jokes, memes, and reactions. One post described how Joyce “looked at him like Lucy did to Kibaki“, referencing a famous past political couple moment.
This happened just days after Kindiki’s prominent role in national events. He took office as deputy president in late 2024 following political shifts in Kenya. Joyce Kindiki, who married him in 2001, has kept a relatively low public profile but often appears alongside him at state functions. The couple has three children.
Legal experts noted that “my lady” serves as a standard courtroom address for female judges in Kenya and many Commonwealth countries, similar to “my lord” for males.
Kindiki, a former law professor and Senate Majority Leader and Cabinet Secretary before his elevation, drew from that professional habit. Yet the personal clarification showed how public words can ripple into private life, especially under the spotlight of a national prayer event meant to promote unity.
Guests at Safari Park witnessed the light moment amid heavier discussions. Chief Justice Koome had earlier called for institutionalising the National Prayer Breakfast as a key tradition for dialogue across government branches. President Ruto used the platform to push for calm and reconciliation in a country still navigating political tensions.
The National Prayer Breakfast has grown since its early days into a major fixture on Kenya’s calendar. This year’s edition at Safari Park drew leaders eager to project harmony after months of debates over governance and policy. Kindiki’s remarks, though brief, stole attention for blending protocol, humour, and domestic reality.
Friends of the couple say Joyce maintains a strong, independent career and supports her husband’s public service. The clarification likely eased any immediate tension, but it reminded everyone that even deputy presidents answer to someone at home, and that could turn from better to worse.