Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on Mt Kenya leaders to respect elders and their verdict, emphasizing that political differences should not divide communities with a shared history and common interests. He made these remarks at Gaciongo and Matiri markets in Tharaka Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County, where he inspected government development projects. Kindiki's appeal for unity comes days after over 30,000 elders from across Mt Kenya met at Kirigiti Stadium and declared him a unifying factor for the region.
Kindiki emphasized that elders have a unique role in protecting community unity, as they are not competing for elective positions or political influence. He noted that a community is formed by its elders, not politicians, and that elders are looking for peace for all generations of the community. The Deputy President accepted the mandate given to him by Mt Kenya elders to spearhead reconciliation and unity across the region and vowed to respect their guidance.
The Mt Kenya elders' meeting at Kirigiti Stadium was attended by over 30,000 elders from various communities, including Ameru, Embu, Mbeere, and Gikuyu. They declared Kindiki a unifying factor for the region and called for unity across Mt Kenya, urging communities to maintain a common political voice ahead of the 2027 General Election. Kindiki said he had been instructed to concentrate on uniting the people, pursuing development, and supporting President William Ruto.
Kindiki urged Mt Kenya leaders to respect divergent political views while avoiding divisions that could weaken the region ahead of the 2027 contest. He called on leaders to avoid personal attacks and focus on development, saying he would not respond to those insulting him. The Deputy President forgave those who had insulted and disrespected him, with a clean heart, and asked them to join him in building the nation and communities together.
The Deputy President emphasized that the unity effort should not be reduced to political competition, arguing that Mt Kenya communities need to work together while pursuing development. He also called for an end to attempts to divide Mt Kenya along East-West lines, maintaining that the region's communities share historical, cultural, and economic ties. Kindiki highlighted road and water projects being implemented in Tharaka Nithi, demonstrating the government's commitment to development.
At Gaciongo, Kindiki inspected works on the Mukothima-Gaciongo-Gatunga Road and addressed residents at a public sensitization event. He said the government would continue expanding infrastructure in areas that had been neglected, ensuring that no part of the country would be left behind. The Deputy President also inspected ongoing construction works on the Kithaga-Matiri Road, demonstrating the government's focus on infrastructure development.
Kindiki's visit to Tharaka Nithi County and his message of unity and development are part of his efforts to implement the elders' mandate. He reiterated that his immediate task was to translate the elders' mandate into action, focusing on uniting the people, pursuing development, and supporting President William Ruto. The Deputy President's efforts aim to promote unity and development in Mt Kenya, ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Key points
- Kindiki urges Mt Kenya leaders to respect elders' verdict and focus on unity and development.
- Over 30,000 elders from Mt Kenya declare Kindiki a unifying factor for the region.
- Kindiki forgives those who insulted him and calls for an end to personal attacks.
