Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on leaders from the Mt Kenya region to refrain from using insults in their political campaigns. He made the remarks in Mathira, Nyeri County, emphasizing the need for unity in the region. Kindiki stated that political competition should focus on development rather than personal attacks, warning that allowing political differences to create divisions and violence would be detrimental to the region.
Kindiki's comments come after his recent coronation ceremony, where he emerged as a prominent figure in the region's political succession debate. He stressed that the Mt Kenya region should remain united, urging leaders supporting or opposing the government to prioritize unity over political differences. "The mountain is one, and we are one community. I want to tell all Kenyans to be united. We are one country," he said.
Kindiki advised politicians to focus on selling their agendas to voters rather than resorting to insults. He emphasized that political differences should not undermine unity in the region, saying, "It is not time for politics. Do you want to do politics or development? We want the people to see development but not just rhetoric without any action." He also mentioned that he would follow the advice of Kikuyu elders not to insult political opponents.
The Deputy President revealed that he had forgiven those who had been attacking him, citing the guidance of Kikuyu elders. He also highlighted the government's focus on delivering development to the region, warning contractors who delay projects that action would be taken. In Nyeri, Kindiki announced that the government had identified 775 kilometers of roads for improvement at a cost of Sh25 billion.
The road improvement projects aim to create employment and support agriculture in the region. Kindiki also mentioned that Sh650 million had been allocated for last-mile electricity connections targeting 12,000 families in Nyeri. Additionally, he cited other government projects in the county, including modern markets, affordable housing, and affordable hostels, as part of the government's development agenda.
Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, who accompanied Kindiki, expressed confidence that residents would assess the government based on the development delivered in the area. Wamumbi stated that the government would be given two terms in office if it continued to deliver development. He also aimed at his political competitors, saying he would confront them early in the political contest.
Kindiki also warned those involved in the illicit alcohol trade that the government would take action against them. He emphasized that government development was one way of fulfilling its promises to Kenyans, adding that leaders should focus on delivering tangible benefits to residents. The Deputy President's remarks reflect the government's efforts to prioritize development and unity in the Mt Kenya region.
Key points
- Kindiki urges Mt Kenya leaders to focus on development rather than personal attacks in their political campaigns.
- The government has identified 775 kilometers of roads for improvement at a cost of Sh25 billion in Nyeri County.
- Kindiki warns those involved in the illicit alcohol trade that the government will take action against them.
