Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged residents of the Mount Kenya region to maintain their unity despite political differences. Speaking at a public sensitisation event in Mathira Constituency, Nyeri County, Kindiki said Kenya remained a shared home for all citizens and that political differences should not undermine relationships among communities that have lived and worked together for generations.
Kindiki cited the region's history of political cooperation, including the struggle for independence, as evidence of the importance of maintaining unity. He recalled the Mau Mau struggle, saying people from different communities in the region participated in the fight for independence. He also mentioned previous presidential contests involving leaders from the region, including the 1992 and 2002 elections.
The Deputy President urged politicians across the political divide to allow voters to assess competing policies and make their own choices. He asked leaders to calm down and not incite citizens to engage in violence or harassment. Kindiki emphasized that competition should be about work and policies, not violence or insults.
Kindiki announced that he had accepted calls by Mount Kenya elders to avoid political insults and promote unity. He assured that he would not insult anyone and urged other leaders to do the same. The Deputy President's remarks come as the government intensifies enforcement against illicit alcohol and substance abuse while political leaders prepare for increased competition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kindiki also shifted his focus to the government's campaign against illicit alcohol, warning manufacturers, sellers, and transporters of harmful alcoholic drinks that they would face enforcement action. He said some alcoholic products being sold to young people and older citizens contain chemicals that can cause serious harm.
The Deputy President said the government would pursue all those involved in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of harmful alcoholic products. He disclosed that he had held a meeting with security and regulatory agencies to coordinate the government's response, including the Cabinet Secretary responsible for security, the Inspector General of Police, and the Kenya Revenue Authority.
Kindiki urged communities to support efforts to eliminate illicit alcohol, which he said was affecting young people and raising concerns about their health and reproduction. He emphasized the need for unity in the community to tackle this issue and called on leaders to work together to promote a safe and healthy environment for all citizens.
Key points
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki calls for unity in Mt Kenya region ahead of 2027 elections.
- Kindiki urges leaders to avoid violence and insults in their political campaigns.
- The government to intensify enforcement against illicit alcohol and substance abuse.
