Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on all parties under the broad-based government alliance to unite behind President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 general election.
Addressing concerns over zoning raised by some members of the broad-based arrangement, Prof Kindiki emphasised the need for healthy competition among partner parties while ensuring they all deliver votes for the President.
"All political parties supporting President William Ruto should unite behind the President's re-election. For other positions, we can have friendly competition," he said.
The Deputy President cautioned aspirants seeking various elective positions at the grassroots against engaging in activities that could jeopardise the President's re-election bid in 2027.
Prof Kindiki said peaceful competition among coalition partners would allow those elected to serve while those who lose would still have opportunities to contribute to government.
"As long as we remain united behind the President, we can have peaceful competition for other elective positions. Those who are elected will serve, while those who are not successful will still have opportunities to contribute to government."
The Deputy President was speaking in Maralal Town, Samburu County, on Saturday when he received senior Jubilee Party officials who defected to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Among those who joined UDA were Jubilee Party Women League Chairperson Maison Leshoomo, former Samburu North MP Alois Lentoimaga, and more than six ward representatives led by the County Assembly Majority Leader, who were elected on Jubilee and Kanu tickets in the last election, alongside dozens of aspirants seeking various seats in the next polls.
The Deputy President assured the defectors that the party would treat them equally, maintaining that UDA remains a strong national party open to all Kenyans and aspirants ahead of the 2027 election.
Prof Kindiki noted that the UDA, led by President Ruto, does not discriminate against anyone and has ensured development reaches every part of the country, including previously marginalised areas.
"We welcome all of them to UDA. This is a national party that accommodates everyone regardless of tribe, religion or region because we are all Kenyans and we all deserve development," the Deputy President said.
Deputy President and UDA Deputy Party Leader Kithure Kindiki with Samburu Governor Lelelit Lati during a public sensitisation meeting at Allamano Ground in Maralal, Samburu County.
Photo credit: DPCS
He cited the working relationship with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which is part of the broad-based government, as an example of how parties can continue working together.
"President Ruto has ensured that all communities, including those in Northern Kenya, are no longer discriminated against because he wants all Kenyans to benefit from the government's development agenda," Prof Kindiki reiterated.
Samburu Governor Lelelit Lati pledged his support for the re-election of President Ruto and Deputy President Kindiki, saying he would remain with UDA after witnessing what he described as unprecedented development in the region.
"We are not going anywhere because we are witnesses to the great development by President Ruto's government," Mr Lati said.
Mr Lentoimaga said Samburu had greatly benefited from the government, hence their decision to support it beyond 2027.
"We didn't have affordable housing, we have seen roads being constructed, and our people are serving in government. Security has improved in Samburu. I have seen this and I have decided to support this government," he said.
The Deputy President highlighted the government's development agenda for the region, noting that the Kenya Kwanza administration has funded multiple multi-billion-shilling projects aimed at improving residents' lives.
The projects include the tarmacking of the Maralal-Morijo-Baragoi-South Horr-Loiyangalani road, which has commenced and is expected to boost the region's economy, as well as the construction of link roads in Maralal Town, which is set to begin shortly.
He also cited the construction of modern markets in Maralal, Baragoi and other key towns in the county. Samburu is also benefiting from the Affordable Housing Programme, with several housing units under construction.
"There wasn't a single allocation of funds for tarmacking roads when the President came into office, but hundreds of kilometres of roads are now being constructed in Samburu County," the Deputy President said.
He criticised the united opposition for campaigning on a "Ruto One Term" agenda while opposing government projects without offering an alternative vision for the country.
"Those calling for 'Ruto One Term' do not have the best interests of the people of Samburu at heart. President William Ruto is the one who planned and started this road project. They do not want it completed. That is why we are saying the people of Samburu will support President William Ruto for a second term because this is the first time they are witnessing the construction of tarmac roads in their region," Prof Kindiki said.
