Re-elect Ruto to keep power, our seats secure, Kindiki tells Mt Kenya

DP Kindiki on Saturday appealed to former Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi to engage Mr Kenyatta in a bid to shift his support to the government.

"I ask Mzee Kiraitu to talk to Uhuru Kenyatta, and remind him that when he had a criminal case in the ICC, I was one of his lawyers. I fought for him and won, paving the way for his election as President," he said, referring to the International Criminal Court case where Mr Kenyatta, President William Ruto and four others were charged with crimes against humanity.

The DP added, "Tell him that we cannot allow the Mt Kenya region to be divided. We must speak in one voice behind President William Ruto.”

Speaking during the 11th Meru Central Dairy Cooperative Union farmers' field day in Meru on Saturday, Prof Kindiki expressed confidence that the president will secure a second term.

DP Kindiki said re-electing President Ruto next year is equal to the Mt Kenya Region electing itself into power.

"Do not be misled by the opposition to abandon us at this time. Re-electing President William Ruto next year is equal to Mt Kenya Region electing itself into power. The safest and surest way for Mt Kenya Region and all parts of the country getting equitable, sustainable and transformative development is by giving President Ruto a second term to ensure consistency in implementation of ongoing programmes in health, education, economic integration, agriculture, job creation and decent living through affordable housing projects,” he said.

And in an apparent response to critics questioning his political future, the Deputy President insisted the region would remain in government.

"The same government cannot be bad because the Deputy President comes from one region and becomes good when he comes from another region. It is not possible," he said.

Using a metaphor to drive home his point, Kindiki added: "You do not build a house, complete it, furnish it, and then abandon it to go and live in the forest. That is not possible. We are not going anywhere. We are in government to stay."

He noted that while 2027 is President Ruto's last election, it will be a significant vote for the region since he has a chance to retain the presidency.

He said while he is the country’s second in command, the opposition has nothing to offer to the Mt Kenya region.

The DP was accompanied by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya, Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma and Meru Member of Parliament.

Prof Kindiki noted that the government has supported the Dairy sector by subsidising sexed semen and funding the construction of an animal feed factory in Meru.

"The two terms we are asking for President William Ruto are not in vain. He has stood with Dairy farmers by providing Sh200 million towards the feeds factory. Going forward, farmers will access a bag of quality dairy feeds at Sh2800 down from Sh3200," Mr Kindiki said.

The deputy president said through government interventions, dairy farmers are earning Sh50 per litre up from Sh35 in 2022.

"The entire process of increasing the price of milk from Sh32 to Sh52 that has been announced today is the work and the sweat of President William Ruto. Those competing with him should tell us what they did when they held senior positions in government," he added.

According to Meru Dairy CEO Kenneth Gitonga, demand for sexed semen has increased from 20 doses to 3000 doses per month after application of a subsidy.

The dairy processor has seen its revenues grow from Sh5 billion to Sh20 billion in the last four years.

Going forward, farmers will earn Sh52 per litre from August. Those playing politics around should give you a better alternative. Turnover has grown from Sh5bn to 20bn. Farmers earn 1 billion monthly.  

"Our projection is to have a turnover of Sh25 billion this year. We are working towards increasing our milk production from 670,000 litres to 1 million litres a day. This is achievable with access to sexed semen and affordable quality feed," Mr Gitonga said.

DP Kindiki also commissioned a Sh500 million animal feed mill, which is expected to produce 10,000 tonnes of feeds a day.

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