Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Friday, moved to calm the restive Embu County where President William Ruto and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi have encountered expressions of discontent.
This, even as Prof Kindiki chided his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua and his allies, saying the former DP had failed to use the important office to unite Kenya, and instead concentrated on politics.
Prof Kindiki’s sustained onslaught on Mr Gachagua, accusing the impeached DP of “using the office to play politics instead of focussing on building the nation.”
He said his mission was to not only galvanise and consolidate the Mt Kenya region back into President Ruto’s fold ahead of the 2027 elections but also the entire country.
“Someone asked if I will mobilise Mt. Kenya Region for President William Samoei Ruto. My response is simple; I will mobilise Kenya in its entirety for President Ruto, and Mt Kenya is part of Kenya,” he said.
The DP spoke when he held a meeting with a delegation of 1,500 leaders from Embu County at his Karen residence in Nairobi, a clear indication that he is determined to control the vote-rich region.
The meeting was held four days after the DP met leaders from Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties. It also comes at the end of a week when Mr Muturi, who hails from Embu County, caused a storm over disappearances and accused the National Intelligence Service of abducting his son last year before the President’s intervention for his release.
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Among those in attendance at the Embu leaders’ meeting were influential political leaders led by Governor Cecily Mbarire, Senator Alexander Mundigi and MPs Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North) and Nebart Muriuki (Mbeere South).
Others were Embu County Assembly Speaker Josiah Thiriku, Assembly Majority Leader Peter Muriithi as well as opinion leaders and clergy.
“When we go back to the people, I will have to account for the time I have been in this office. I have no choice but to deliver on the mandate I have been assigned. I must account for every day I occupy this position. I have no time for anything else because improving the lives of the people is what is keeping me awake,” he added.
Prof Kindiki, it appears, is ready to stamp his authority in Mt Kenya as the senior most political leader in the region following the impeachment of Mr Gachagua.
“My predecessor decided to use the hallowed and distinguished office of the Deputy President to play politics. That is his style and we wish him well and that is why it was not tenable for him to remain in office,” Prof Kindiki said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki (right) and his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua.
Photo credit: Nation Media Group
He went on: “I have decided that my work is to help the President unite our country, bring development to every part of our nation and change the economic fortunes of all Kenyans through successful implementation of all the economic value chains. That is the difference between politics and leadership.”
During the meeting, Embu leaders assured Prof Kindiki that they were solidly behind him.
“It is good to meet and have a dialogue with the people. This meeting is solely to discuss development priorities and how to move the county forward. I will be meeting various delegations from all counties and have similar discussions,” Prof Kindiki said.
The meeting was the first among forums in which the DP plans to engage with Kenyans from across the country.
He said the meeting and those planned will not be about politics but solely on issues that need to be addressed.
“It will be the height of political irresponsibility to call you and start discussing politics when we have so many other important matters to discuss. We will not allow ourselves to be dragged into early political campaigns by those keen on politicking. When the time to politick comes, we will put on befitting attire and get out for serious campaigns,” Prof Kindiki added.
The DP said no part of the country will be denied development, adding that all Kenyans must benefit from the country’s resources.
“Every part of the country will benefit from extensive development projects targeting improving the lives of all Kenyans,” he added.
By meeting leaders from Embu County where the President has faced stiff opposition, Prof Kindiki appears to have taken the battle for control of the vote-rich Mt Kenya region to Mr Gachagua’s doorstep. The former DP has in the past maintained that he is the region’s kingpin, who will determine leaders who will vie where in the 2027 elections.
During the Karen meeting, Prof Kindiki said the people’s input in what is being done in the counties is critical and encouraged the Embu residents to identify development priorities and programmes and keep a close eye on them to ensure quicker realisation.
“It is good to meet and have a dialogue with the people. This meeting is solely to discuss development priorities and how to move the county forward. I will be meeting various delegations from all counties and have similar discussions,” he said.
Touching on the mandate he has been assigned by President William Ruto, the DP indicated he will not be deterred by detractors keen on misleading the people.
He said Embu County has, so far, been a beneficiary of many development projects in the roads, agriculture, and electricity sectors, among others.
“We need to sort out issues in coffee, tea, Muguka and roads, electricity connection, youth and women empowerment. After this meeting, put pressure on me, ask me what I have done for Embu people,” the Deputy President said.
During the meeting Governor Mbarire said her county was working with the national government to improve the living standards of Embu people.
