Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s presidential ambition, arguing that he has no development track record for his 40 years in public service.
Speaking during a development tour of Tharaka Nithi County, Prof Kindiki challenged Mr Musyoka and his colleagues in the opposition to present an alternative vision for Kenya instead of engaging on politics of ethnic mobilization.
"Those who do not believe in our vision for a new Kenya should table their own vision. They will not be able to compete with us because they have spent all their time preaching hate, negativity, division and tribalism," Prof Kindiki said.
His remarks come amid heightened political activity ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election. Mr Musyoka has emerged as one of the leading figures in the opposition coalition seeking to unseat President William Ruto.
In his strongest criticism yet of the former Vice-President, Prof Kindiki questioned Mr Musyoka’s leadership record, saying he had failed to make a lasting impact despite serving in senior government positions for decades.
"That Kalonzo you are trying to sell to us, bring him here. We know Kalonzo Musyoka better than you do. He studied here at Meru School. If, after 40 years in leadership, Kalonzo Musyoka has been unable to do anything, there is nothing new he can do now. Let him rest at home. We will build roads for him, and he should pray for us because this is our time," he said.
The Deputy President's remarks signal an escalation of Kenya Kwanza's attacks on Mr Musyoka, who has intensified his criticism of President Ruto's administration over the cost of living, governance and the economy, while positioning himself as a possible successor.
Prof Kindiki also accused opposition politicians of exploiting unemployed youth to cause political violence instead of offering policy alternatives.
"I want to issue a strong warning to political leaders who are using our young people to fight fellow citizens over political issues. Instead of competing on policies, you misuse youths by paying them Sh200 to throw stones and destroy people's businesses. We will not allow that," he said.
He urged leaders to focus on creating employment opportunities, arguing that the responsibility of political leadership is to improve livelihoods rather than incite violence.
The Deputy President further appealed for peace and unity, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, saying politicians should not divide communities for personal political gain.
"I am praying for a peaceful period as we head towards the elections because the election year is already here. The unity of Kenya is very important, and the unity of our different communities is even more important because politics is not the beginning and the end of everything," he said.
Prof Kindiki defended the government's development record, saying Kenya Kwanza would campaign on completed infrastructure projects rather than political rhetoric.
"Next year, when I go around the country asking for your votes, there is no county I will visit where I will not point to roads, electricity, water and other projects that I have defended. Let him also come and tell us what he has done. That is the conversation," he said.
His latest remarks are part of an increasingly aggressive campaign by Kenya Kwanza leaders to frame the 2027 election as a contest between their development record and what they describe as an opposition lacking fresh ideas and a credible policy agenda.
