Kenya's Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on political leaders to promote peaceful coexistence and shun insults, personal attacks, and incitement. Speaking during the launch of the Kimbo–Matangi Road in Nyeri, Kindiki urged leaders to respect one another despite their political differences and allow voters to make decisions based on competing development agendas and policies. He emphasized that politicians could disagree without turning opponents into personal enemies.
Kindiki argued that political rivalry should not undermine peaceful coexistence, noting that politicians should exercise restraint and avoid arrogance, hatred, and pride. He urged leaders to sell their policies to Kenyans instead of mobilising supporters through hostility. Kindiki appealed to fellow politicians to lower political temperatures and embrace respectful engagement, citing the need for a peaceful and cohesive society.
The Deputy President raised concern over incidents in which political activities are allegedly used to incite young people into destroying property and disrupting businesses. He cited previous election periods, including the 1992 and 2002 elections, where political competition took place without destruction of businesses and property. Kindiki warned against efforts to set communities against one another and emphasized that criminal activities should not be excused in the name of politics.
Kindiki's remarks placed renewed emphasis on peaceful political participation at a time when leaders are positioning themselves for future electoral contests. He maintained that politicians should compete through ideas and development commitments rather than incitement. The Deputy President defended the government's development record, saying the administration had moved from planning projects to implementing commitments made during the 2022 election campaigns.
Kindiki highlighted several infrastructure projects, including the prioritisation of 1,656 kilometres of roads for tarmacking across Kiambu County at an estimated cost of Sh152 billion. He also mentioned the proposed dualling of the 223-kilometre Rironi–Mau Summit Road, a major transport corridor estimated to cost Sh200 billion. These projects aim to improve connectivity, ease transportation, and support economic activity.
Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo and Gatundu North MP Njoroge Kururia supported Kindiki's call for peaceful political participation. Kabogo urged residents to continue supporting the government as it pursues a second term, describing Kindiki as a key political leader from the Mt Kenya region. Kururia echoed the call, saying the region should rally behind Kindiki's position in national leadership.
Kindiki's appeal for political tolerance comes as leaders increasingly position themselves for future electoral contests. His emphasis on peaceful coexistence and development-focused campaigns is seen as a crucial step towards maintaining national cohesion. The Deputy President's defence of the government's development record and highlight on infrastructure projects demonstrate the administration's commitment to implementing its commitments.
Key points
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urges leaders to shun insults and personal attacks.
- Kindiki defends government's development record, highlighting infrastructure projects.
- The Deputy President emphasizes the need for peaceful political participation.
