Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has emphasized the need for unity in the Mt. Kenya region, warning leaders against divisive politics that could hinder economic growth and development. Addressing a delegation of Meru County leaders at his Karen residence on February 18, Prof. Kindiki implored politicians to put aside daily politicking and focus on delivering tangible benefits to the electorate.
The Deputy President strongly has criticized his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accusing them of using tribal politics for personal political mileage. He noted that during his tenure as Deputy President, Gachagua’s primary achievement was sowing division among Kenyans, while Kalonzo had little to show from his time as Vice President in Mwai Kibaki’s administration.
Prof. Kindiki urged the people of Mt. Kenya to resist the calls for tribal-based alliances that do not serve their long-term interests. He dismissed Gachagua’s ongoing mobilization efforts in the region as an attempt to create unnecessary discord and gain sympathy following his impeachment in October 2024.
“Some are telling us to abandon this government and wait for a new one in 2027 under Kalonzo and Wajackoyah. That is fine since they are opposition leaders and can say anything. However, when Kalonzo comes to Meru seeking votes, ask him what he did for Meru during his five years as Vice President. I will present my record for the two and a half years I have been in office,” Kindiki stated.
Prof. Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling its development promises. He dismissed online criticism of President William Ruto’s infrastructure projects, particularly the Isiolo-Mandera road under the Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor.
“This road will transform Northern Kenya, and within the next two and a half years, it will be completed. Some Kenyans are ridiculing the project online, but we remain focused because this is the same road we will use to demonstrate our achievements,” he said.
The Deputy President also pledged that all stalled projects, particularly those abandoned during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s first term, would be revived. He vowed to personally inspect government projects before their official launch to ensure transparency and efficiency.
“I will be leading the inspection of government projects before commissioning to avoid the embarrassment of launching incomplete projects. We must protect the President from being ridiculed for projects that are not properly financed or completed,” he stated.
The government has allocated KSh 36 billion for last-mile electricity connectivity, KSh 12 billion for road infrastructure, and additional funding for markets, County Aggregation, and Industrial Parks.
Prof. Kindiki assured farmers that the government is working to stabilize key agricultural sectors, including miraa, dairy, tea, coffee, macadamia, and cotton. He credited President Ruto’s intervention for the recent increase in miraa prices and reiterated that more policies are being implemented to support farmers.
Addressing the persistent political rivalries in Meru, the Deputy President called for discipline among local leaders and urged them to prioritize the region’s interests over political squabbles. He reiterated the region as well as other part of the country need solutions, not endless political theatrics.
Prof. Kindiki further noted that he would not be swayed by critics who expect him to engage in constant political battles instead of delivering on his mandate saying he fully understands his role and responsibilities, pledged that he will fulfill them with distinction.
The Deputy President reiterated that genuine development does not require tribal rhetoric, citing the leadership of former President Mwai Kibaki as an example. “Kibaki did a lot for his region without constantly announcing where he came from. Development should be for all Kenyans, not just one region,” he said.
He urged Mt. Kenya residents to remain united and reject divisive politics that serve only a few individuals’ interests. “We will not isolate other regions to develop our own. Our focus is on national development that benefits every Kenyan,” Prof. Kindiki concluded.
As political temperatures rise ahead of the 2027 elections, Deputy President Kindiki’s remarks set the stage for a battle between those advocating for unity and development and those pushing for regional political realignment.
