Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said the government has no time for political contests with Opposition leaders, seemingly brushing off the shaping coalition against the Kenya Kwanza leadership.
While apparently dismissing the unfolding unity by Opposition politicians, the DP maintained that President William Ruto’s administration is focused on building the nation and not politicking.
“We are not competing with anyone or any politician. We are busy delivering on our pre-election pledges and the UDA Party manifesto which aims to empower lower income Kenyans. Those challenging us had their time to do something, which they did not,” he said.
Kindiki spoke in Gatundu North, Kiambu County, when he joined more than 10 MPs led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah at a fund raiser for local women groups and boda boda riders at the weekend. The event was organised by area MP Njoroge Kururia.
This comes as politicians seen to be working on a coalition against President Ruto’s administration, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, former Public Service CS Justin Muturi and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, among others, met at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County.
The Opposition leaders said they are committed to forging a united front in the run-up to the 2027 general elections aimed at kicking Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza government out of power.
“We have many promises to fulfill as per our party manifesto and the Bottom-up Agenda which is meant to empower ordinary Kenyans including mama mbogas and boda boda riders, and we don’t have time to engage in politics or verbal exchanges,
“Some of these politicians are bent on a smear campaign against the government, but when the time comes we shall show them dust at the ballot box,” Kindiki asserted.
The DP reiterated that the government is keen on accomplishing key development projects including infrastructure and creating employment, noting that over the last two years, more than 76,000 teachers have been employed while coffee and tea farmers are enjoying better earnings.
“I want to assure you that construction of all the roads which had stalled including Mau Mau roads will resume and be completed before the next elections. We have also employed 76,000 teachers over the last two years which is the highest number by any administration. The construction of over 400 markets across the country is also ongoing,” he pointed out.
The MPs accompanying Kindiki included Kururia, Kiambu County Woman Rep Ann Wamuratha, Gabriel Kagombe (Gatundu South), Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), Simon King’ara (Ruiru), Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete), Mburu Kahangara (Lari), Njuguna Kawanjiku (Kiambaa) and Eric Wamumbi (Mathira).
Ichung’wah led the legislators in urging Kenyans not to be swayed by empty political rhetoric while at the same time asking the people from the Mountain region to give President Ruto’s administration time to complete stalled projects including the Mau Mau roads, among others.
The Kikuyu MP also dismissed opposition politicians critical of the government as irrelevant, saying the Kenya Kwanza leadership will not be distracted from its development agenda.
“I have seen a confederation tribal chiefs and failed political rejects trying to be the cleverest people in the country. We want to tell them we won’t be diverted from the focus we have on delivering on our manifesto. We shall only focus on the people centered issues,” said Ichung’wah.
Meanwhile, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has called on the people of Mt Kenya region to join other Kenyans in forging for the unity of the country.
He said the prosperity of Kenya is hinged on the unity of purpose that will propel development across the country.
He further challenged the region to solidify their support on President William Ruto for he means well for the region.
He was speaking when he attended a church service at the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa in Othaya, Nyeri County.
“Kuna wakati wa enzi za rais wa tatu Mwai Kibaki, watu walikuwa wakilalamika sana kwamba headlines za gazeti zinabadilika sana. Kibaki akasema leteni gazeti zote za wiki, na kuagiza kila headline isomwe. Mwisho akasema mnaona kila siku headline inabadilika, kwa hivyo headline isiwafanye mkose kufanya kazi. Focus is very key since the headline that does not change is the unity and development of all Kenyans.”
“Na nyinyi watu wa mlima mkiteleza, mjue sisi tuko tayari tutachukua. Tunawaambia ukweli better a bird in hand than 10 in the bush. Many regions are saying we wish we had just a fraction of what Mt Kenya region has. So you need to work with the President who has alot of faith in the people of this region.”
“Regions like Western Kenya have never ruled this country but they support the government, so this notion of you have to support the government because one of your own is at the helm, is not the correct philosophy for a united Kenya.”
– Additional reporting by OPCS Press Service
