Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged leaders in the Mt. Kenya region to heed the call by elders to unite the region, despite their political differences. He stated that the elders have asked him, as the region's seniormost leader, to ensure that the area is not divided into East and West, as some politicians have been pursuing for months due to party affiliations. Kindiki emphasized that he has clear orders to unite the Mt. Kenya region and ensure peaceful political contests.
Speaking during an inspection of development projects in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, Kindiki reiterated that Mt. Kenya is one and cannot be divided. He cited the region's history, stating that it was always one during the leadership of Presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta, and will remain one. The Deputy President, who was recently endorsed by elders from Kikuyu, Embu, Mbeere, and Meru communities as the region's spokesperson, assured that he will not go against their advice.
Kindiki promised to continue pushing for development in the region, citing massive projects worth billions of shillings currently underway across Mt. Kenya. He stated that he will not allow anyone to perpetrate violence against their brothers and sisters due to political choices, pointing to previous friendly contests between prominent leaders in 1992 and 2002. The Deputy President emphasized that the region should not allow violence to take over their politics and that everyone should sell their agenda, with voters deciding who to vote for.
During his visit, Kindiki launched the construction of Chaka Township roads, directing the contractor to complete them on time to elevate the town's status. Nyeri County has been allocated 45 billion shillings for the construction of 775 kilometers of roads across the six constituencies in the devolved unit. The county is also benefiting from modern markets, with most nearing completion, and the Ruringu Stadium in Nyeri Town is progressing.
The county has also benefited from last-mile electricity connections, with 32,000 homes already connected and another 12,000 set to be connected following an additional allocation of 650 million shillings. Farmers in the region have also earned more from agricultural reforms that have increased prices for coffee, tea, and milk. Kindiki stated that this is what the government is focused on – developing every part of the country and improving the lives of the people.
Kindiki revealed that he has heeded the elders' request not to engage in insults but to be a unifying voice looking after the welfare of the region and the whole country. He stated that the elders asked him to let actions speak and ensure development continues in the region. The Deputy President also announced that he will convene a meeting with senior police officers next week to ramp up the fight against illicit alcohol and drugs in the region.
Leaders who accompanied Kindiki during the visit expressed their support for the government, citing the development projects that have benefited the people. Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina and Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi stated that they will back the government and return the favor at the right time, assuring Kindiki of their support. The visit was also attended by Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira and Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, among others.
Key points
- Kindiki urges Mt. Kenya leaders to unite despite political differences.
- The Deputy President launches construction of Chaka Township roads and highlights development projects in Nyeri County.
- Kindiki to convene a meeting with senior police officers to fight illicit alcohol and drugs in the region.
