Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has sustained his effort to quell political dissent in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region by promising that the President William Ruto administration will deliver on its promises.
Speaking in Embu on Saturday, February 1, DP Kindiki told political leaders to shun supremacy battles and focus on initiating development programmes that can benefit Kenyans.
The DP has camped in the region since Friday when he visited Nyeri to supervise development projects and is expected in Meru on Sunday.
The deputy president and leaders who spoke at Runyenjes stadium during the launch of Embu County Bodaboda riders’ strategic plan steered clear of confrontational politics choosing to focus on development.
The meeting was attended by thousands of boda boda riders with the county having over 10,000 registered riders.
"Let us avoid the politics of who has a say in what region. For us as a government, we will remain focused on delivering because the time for campaign is not now. The time for campaign will come," he said.
Still on post-Covid recovery
DP Kindiki said while former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration had done a lot of work, the country was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic at its tail end.
However, the situation has now improved. The shilling has strengthened against the dollar and inflation has gone down. We are now focusing on putting more money in the pockets of Kenyans by targeting sectors that employ majority of Kenyans," the DP said.
Prof Kindiki said after two years of stabilising the economy, President Ruto was now ready to roll out development programmes.
"Since the economy has improved, we now have money for development and the government is now ready to revive stalled roads and enhancing electricity connectivity in rural areas," Prof Kindiki said.
He said the government is also resolving the challenges facing the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
"As a listening government, we will continue to adjust policies to serve Kenyans better. We will adjust the mean testing tool to make sure boda boda people do not pay more than they can afford,” he said.
The DP was accompanied by Embu governor and ruling party chairperson Cecily Mbarire, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa, Presidential advisor Moses Kuria and Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi.
Others in attendance were MPs, Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North), Nebart Muriuki (Mbeere South), Eric Muchangi (Runyenjes) and Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North), Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio) and Jane Kagiri (Laikipia).
The leaders were forced to steer away from opposition politics after Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek was shouted down by the riders when he hit out at Public Service CS Justin Muturi for his criticism of the government.
"We have heard a government official criticising the government over extrajudicial killings. When he was Speaker, there were killings and we never heard him speak," Mr Kiborek said amid booing.
Governor Mbarire implored with the residents to support the government arguing that "the opposition is not the best place to be."
"We should not be guided by anger and emotions. Let us work with the government because if we do not work with the government, others will. Do not be duped into running into the opposition," she said.
She said the leaders in the region were focusing on lobbying development programmes before the elections.
"We will play all the politics in 2027. If I start fighting the government, what will happen to the work that has been initiated... Let us shun politics of hatred," the governor added.
