Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has told off his critics in Mt Kenya region over claims that he was afraid of holding meetings in the mountain.
The Deputy President said those who thought he would not come back to his people for fear of being branded a tribalist “will be shocked.”
In a show of might, Prof Kindiki hosted hundreds of delegates from Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu counties at his Irundune home, Tharaka Nithi County, in what appeared to rival his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua’s meetings at his Wamunyoro home in Mathira.
Leaders in Mt Kenya have accused the Deputy President of avoiding the region, saying he was afraid of being branded a tribalist like Mr Gachagua , who was hounded out of office in October 2024.
Last month, Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga told Prof Kindiki to go back to his people “without fear” since he replaced Mr Gachagua as “the son of the mountain” and told him not to allow people to “push him around”.
Addressing members of county assembly and hundreds of grassroots leaders from Meru, Tharaka-Nithi and Embu counties on Friday, the Deputy President urged his backyard not to be divided.
The meeting was part of Prof Kindiki’s series of leaders’ engagements as a build up to his major homecoming event in the region.
“Those who say I am afraid of coming home will be shocked at the number of people who will come to my homecoming event,” Prof Kindiki said.
“The homecoming is coming in a few weeks and it will be a national event that will be attended by over 100,000 guests from across the country,” he said.
Prof Kindiki said that Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu will get their fair share of development because it is part of Kenya.
The Deputy President, who is battling to snatch the Mt Kenya region from the grip of Mr Gachagua, said he was forming a coalition of development to counter their bitter rivals.
He defended the government on its ability to deliver arguing that for two years, they have worked towards stabilising the economy.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki (right) when he hosted grassroots leaders and professionals from Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu Counties at his Irundune home, Tharaka Nithi County on February 28, 2025.
Photo credit: DPCS
In a separate interview, Mathira MP Eric wa Mumbi lashed out at the former DP who he accused of sowing seeds of discord among Mt Kenya residents.
He said contrary to Mr Gachagua’s claims that leaders were not engaged in meetings in their constituencies, he had been consulting widely on projects the people of Mathira wanted implemented.
“I have spent over two weeks in my constituency and people have been telling me they want development and not petty politics. At the moment we have no time to waste and what we’re interested in is to deliver on our promises. A time will come for politics and we will meet in campaigns,” Mr Wa Mumbi said on Friday.
Speaking at the Irundune forum, Prof Kindiki dismissed the unity of opposition leaders as short-lived.
On Thursday, Peoples Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua hosted Kalonzo Musyoka , Mr Gachagua, and Eugene Wamalwa declaring their intention to work together ahead of 2027 elections.
During the launch, Mr Gachagua hit out at President William Ruto, saying he could not be trusted on development projects.
In a veiled attack against Mr Gachagua, Prof Kindiki said: "Some have been chest-thumping after meeting a few people yet some of us can summon up to a million people. Let them have some respect even when they tour this region."
"They have started forming political coalitions but we don't have time for that. When time comes for politics, we will show them how it is done. What we should have as Embu, Tharaka-Nithi and Meru counties is a coalition of development. My prayer is that we are not divided. For the time being, let us be patient and focus on development," Prof Kindiki said.
He hit out Mr Gachagua, accusing him of working hard to push out the Mt Kenya region from the government because of his out of selfish pursuits and failed ambitions.
"Do not fall into the evil plan of politicians who have selfish interests. Even if I were not deputy president today, I would support the development of the region. However, we have seen someone say that just because he is not in power, the people can forgo development. That is evil, unpatriotic and reckless," he said.
While rallying support for the government that is increasingly facing opposition, Prof Kindiki told off those he said were out to put him on a war path with the president, saying he would shield the Head of State from being involved in launching and inspecting projects.
"I will be working with cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries to ensure contractors deliver. The president should come to launch complete projects. Our enemies are advising us not to support the president but it would be foolish to seek to be equal to the president," he said.
"I want to leave a legacy of development across the country. Some want us to keep talking at each other but am too busy. I am not available for that," he added.
