Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a warning to politicians in the Mt Kenya region against fuelling violence and ethnic divisions. He emphasized the need for peaceful competition, as political tensions rise in the region. Prof Kindiki was speaking during public engagements in Murang'a County, where he challenged government critics to join efforts to promote peaceful politics.
Prof Kindiki stressed that political disagreements should be settled through ideas and development agendas, not insults, goonism, or attacks on opponents. He cited the 1992 presidential contest between Kenneth Matiba and Mwai Kibaki as an example of political rivalry that did not degenerate into violence. The Deputy President urged politicians to sell their policies and development records instead of mobilizing young people to attack rivals.
The Deputy President expressed concern about a departure from the region's political traditions, where leaders competed fiercely without resorting to violence. He emphasized that leaders had a responsibility to unite Kenyans and address the challenges facing their constituents rather than engage in divisive politics. Prof Kindiki also renewed his campaign against illicit alcohol and drugs, warning that the government would take firm action against traders selling poisonous brews.
Prof Kindiki described illicit alcohol as "poison" and "death" and assured residents that the government would not allow the sale of substances that destroy young people's health and reproductive capacity. He also highlighted the government's efforts to complete the Kigumo section of the Mau Mau Roads Programme, covering 225 kilometers in Murang'a County at a cost of KSh9 billion.
The Deputy President announced that funds had been secured and contractors paid to resume stalled works on the Mau Mau Roads Programme. He also highlighted the KSh293 million Kinyona-Karinga Irrigation Project, expected to benefit 1,500 households and support irrigation on 750 acres. The project aims to improve household incomes and support agricultural development in the region.
Prof Kindiki emphasized the government's pursuit of additional investments in roads, electricity connectivity, and agriculture to improve household incomes. He urged leaders to focus on delivering these projects, warning that violence and political hostility would undermine development and national cohesion. The Deputy President's remarks come amid rising political tensions in the Mt Kenya region.
The Deputy President's call for peaceful politics and development-focused campaigns is seen as a crucial step towards promoting national cohesion and stability. His efforts to address the challenges facing the region, including illicit alcohol and infrastructure development, are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of residents. Key initiatives, including the Mau Mau Roads Programme and the Kinyona-Karinga Irrigation Project, are underway to support economic growth.
Key points
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki warns against political violence in Mt Kenya region.
- Prof Kindiki emphasizes the need for peaceful competition and development-focused campaigns.
- The government is pursuing investments in roads, electricity connectivity, and agriculture to improve household incomes.
