Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has vowed to defend his backyard against politics of incitement, warning leaders to desist from orchestrating violence in the name of opposing the government.
Prof Kindiki said that the acts of violence recently witnessed in the Mt Kenya region were a foreign form of politics that cannot be tolerated.
Speaking to more than 3,000 Meru County residents at his Irunduni home in Tharaka Nithi County, DP Kindiki criticised his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, for misleading people about the government’s performance.
He called on residents not to fall prey to politicians keen on causing unrest in the region for personal gain.
“It can't be that when you were in power, you did not lobby for any development for this region, but when you are out of government, you claim to be the champion fighting for the interests of your people," DP Kindiki said.
He added, "As a community, we are not treading in the right direction. We have witnessed more intense political fights in the Mt Kenya region in the past, but there has never been destruction of property and businesses in the region. Despite Mwai Kibaki contesting against Kenneth Matiba in 1992, there was peace in Mt Kenya. Even in 2002, when Kibaki contested against Uhuru Kenyatta , no property was destroyed."
He challenged politicians to compete based on policies and ideologies rather than planning violence.
"Why have we stooped this low as a community? We will not allow politics of incitement nor let people import violence into our region,” he said.
In what is seen as a renewed campaign by the Deputy President to regain control over the mountain amid the opposition onslaught, Prof Kindiki said he will be meeting more groups from the region to explain the government’s agenda.
Prof Kindiki said that despite President William Ruto’s administration achieving a lot over the last three years, the lies peddled by the opposition have travelled far and wide.
"I will hold many more such meetings here. I will meet with business people, farmers, the youth, elders, women — all — to build stronger friendships.
Similar meetings will continue at Karen because there are many national issues to resolve," he said.
The DP hinted that he was keen on ensuring the government has tangible development programmes in every constituency to silence the naysayers.
He said that while some promises are yet to be fulfilled, they are keen on delivering the manifesto before the general election.
DP Kindiki : Our main focus as government is on development, not divisive politics
"We don't want to focus on politicking because of the work we are doing. Those competing with me in the mountain have nothing to show. But by the next election, I will have lobbied and delivered projects in every constituency. This region must accrue the benefits of having a Deputy President," the DP said.
He cited the upgrade of Meru Level Five Hospital into a Level Six facility, the redesign of the Nithi Bridge, and the construction of a Sh800 million fresh produce market in Meru Town among key projects being implemented by the Ruto administration.
"Out of all markets being built, Gakoromone Fresh Produce Market will be the biggest in the country. The Cabinet has also allocated the first tranche of funding for the redesign of the Nithi Bridge. The President has directed that all funds be availed by the end of the year," Prof Kindiki said.
He said the construction of stalled roadworks had resumed, noting that the road to his Irunduni home will soon be paved.
