Yeah its a part of his own pathetic personality tbh. He wont get his hands dirty, he'll let others do it for him. Much like the elites, they won't get their hands dirty, mob bosses and such too, they will make their underlings do it or convince others to do it for them.
If he doesnt kill Kidd directly, he cant be seen as a murderer regardless. Its all sanctimonious manipulation, just like his fanboys do constantly.
The cult of Shanks is sickening. Just like Luffy fans funnily enough. But you know, Oda writes what he knows best after all, hes the master liar after all.