Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is relying on multibillion-shilling development projects to solidify his stronghold in his Mt Kenya backyard amid growing opposition influence.
Key projects that DP Kindiki is pushing include the Sh7 billion redesign of Nithi Bridge, the Sh800 million Gakoromone Market, the settlement of Sh600 million owed to a French investor by the Meru County government and the Sh500 million industrial park.
This comes as the battle for control of the Mt Kenya East vote basket intensifies, with the Deputy President moving to curb former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s growing influence in the region.
Leaders from the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) have been making inroads in Embu and Meru, increasing dissent against President William Ruto’s administration.
However, in the past two weeks, DP Kindiki has been actively engaging grassroots leaders and businesspeople to turn the tide in favour of the government.
Prof Kindiki is focusing on publicising the government’s development agenda, especially projects initiated by the administration in the region.
Speaking in Meru during the ground-breaking of a Sh500 million storey building at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, DP Kindiki said President Ruto is fulfilling every promise he made.
“President Ruto’s administration is doing a lot of work in this region. This is why we remain committed to supporting the government,” he said.
“Since the President has allocated funds for development, he deserves a second term when the time comes. If this government builds the Nithi Bridge and Meru Hospital, don’t we deserve a second term?”
He explained that phase one of the hospital modernisation programme includes the construction of a Sh500 million block with an additional 275 beds, an accident and emergency unit, maternity unit, imaging services, operating theatres, intensive care and high dependency units, among others.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Photo credit: DPCS
“We have initiated the modernisation of Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital to pave the way for its elevation to a Level Six facility. This will be a significant milestone for the region,” DP Kindiki said.
“I am confident that during campaigns, we will have a lot to tell Kenyans across the 47 counties because we are delivering,” the DP said.
More funds are expected to be allocated soon to ensure the hospital attains Level Six status before the elections.
The Deputy President challenged politicians to unite, noting that divisions would derail development initiatives.
To strengthen efforts against the opposition in the region, DP Kindiki has involved Members of Parliament from Meru, Tharaka-Nithi and Embu to amplify pro-government political and development messaging.
Last Tuesday, Prof Kindiki met with 18 MPs to discuss calming residents and paving the way for President Ruto’s agenda.
During the meeting, Chuka/Igambangombe MP Patrick Munene was appointed to coordinate Mt Kenya East elected leaders aligned with President Ruto.
“We were consulting on the progress of Mt Kenya East politics and development programs. We also discussed how to roll out development at the constituency level. There are projects that need a little push to be finalised,” said Tigania West MP Dr John Mutunga.
Mr Munene said his role would be to coordinate development programs and political activities in Mt Kenya East.
“The opposition has created euphoria in the region, but we are now prepared to undo it. The government has done a lot, especially in the tea, coffee, and milk sectors. We will intensify communication so our people understand what is happening,” Mr Munene said.
He added that as chairman of the Mt Kenya East parliamentary caucus, he would lead intensive political activity in the coming weeks.
Deputy President Kithure Kindinki during a consultative meeting with MPs from Laikipia, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Kiambu, Murang'a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi on March 13, 2025.
Photo credit: DPCS
DP Kindiki has used meetings with grassroots leaders to urge residents to reject the ‘one term’ slogan popularised by Mr Gachagua and instead support President Ruto’s re-election.
“As Deputy President, I will have a project to show in every constituency. My work will defend me in 2027. I should not wait to leave office to come and woo residents with empty promises. Do not be misled by people who wasted their time in power,” Prof Kindiki said.
He reiterated his call for residents not to fall for politicians pursuing personal interests at the expense of the national agenda.
The Deputy President said he is prepared to face his opponents once the campaign period begins ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The very people inciting Kenyans are part of the problem, but are now posing as champions of good governance. They are busy poisoning Kenyans and talking about primitive ways of solving national problems. When they were in government, they perpetuated dangerous ideologies. I want a public debate with these characters. Everyone must account for their time in government,” Prof Kindiki said.
