Kindiki to his home turf: My DP position is safe
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addresses a gathering in his Irunduni, Tharaka-Nithi County, on August 2, 2026.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Sunday retreated to his Irunduni residence in Tharaka-Nithi County, where he sought to allay fears among his supporters amid claims that his seat was on the line.
Recently, Prof Kindiki dismissed, as fake, reports that some of his responsibilities had been handed over to the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to nip the Deputy President’s powers.
Prof Kindiki is also under pressure to show his might in the mountain following the opposition win in OlKalou, even as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) heightened its push to take his position in 2027.
But addressing hundreds of neighbours, the deputy president reassured them that his seat was secure, terming the claims of being sidelined as 'common talk' in politics.
"I have realised that if I don't meet my neighbours for a chat, they may remain stressed because of the lies being peddled around. I want to assure that there is no problem. The claims are being made by my opponents. They have run out of ideas," Prof Kindiki said.
The DP defended the President’s plan to spearhead a new development blueprint, warning politicians against trivialising the Vision 2060.
President Ruto unveiled 'Kenya's New National Development Vision: Beyond Vision 2030' saying it is a long-term national strategy aimed at translating constitutional aspirations into measurable development outcomes.
"The President’s plan is to turn Kenya into a developed nation in 30 years’ time. This will be achieved by improving access to education, health, and better infrastructure - which we are doing. Those opposed should know that this is not a political conversation - it is a discussion about our shared future," the DP said.
Prof Kindiki said the Vision 2060 plan should not be viewed through the lenses of 2027 campaigns.
"When it comes to Vision 2060, it doesn't matter who wins or loses the election in 2027. Both the winner and the loser deserve a developed nation and a stable economy. You don't have to oppose everything for the sake of it. What we expect from the opposition is an alternative vision," he added.
Prof Kindiki said the failure by the opposition to provide an alternative showed that they had no capacity to beat the incumbent.
He reiterated calls on his backyard to unite behind him, noting that this was critical for his 2032 political ambitions.
"You have to be very wise. Do not slaughter an in-calf cow. In our case, the cow will be ready to deliver a calf in 2032. I am the calf," he told the neighbours.
Prof Kindiki opposed calls to divide the Mt Kenya region, noting that the people have stood together pre- and post-independence.
The Deputy President took a swipe at his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, saying he had no development record in the Mt Kenya region to deserve the people's attention.
"I am confident that in every corner of Mt Kenya region, there is a project associated with me. The same cannot be said of Gachagua, who is busy misleading you. Kalonzo Musyoka, whom they are supporting, has nothing to show for 40 years in power," Prof Kindiki charged.
However, the DP also lauded Gachagua for what he said is toning down on insults in his political rallies.
"We wish him well, but after we beat him next year, I will help him out because he is our brother," he said.
While dismissing the Wiper Patriotic Front party leader's presidential bid, DP Kindiki said Mr Kalonzo's Tseikuru backyard had suffered for long without roads and water.
"Tseikuru has more donkeys than people because there is no piped water. People rely on the donkeys to fetch the precious commodity. It is President Ruto’s administration that is delivering the first tarmac to Tseikuru," he said.
The Deputy President said he was lobbying for more development projects in Tharaka-Nithi County to ensure his backyard benefits.
He said he was pushing for funding for 13 road projects that will traverse Tharaka-Nithi and link the county to Meru and Kitui counties.
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