Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has told off leaders inciting violence in the Mt. Kenya region, vowing that the government will no longer tolerate retrogressive acts that undermine peace and development.
Speaking during a high-level engagement with Meru County leaders on Wednesday at his Irunduni home,the Deputy President decried the wave of destruction and looting witnessed during recent protests, describing it as betrayal of Mt.Kenya values.
“We have had political competition before over ideas, policies, and ideologies but we have never sunk to the level of torching businesses and destroying livelihoods. Let us not allow selfish politicians to turn our children into weapons of destruction. What we witnessed will not happen again. That was the last time,” said Kindiki.
Kindiki called on residents of Mt. Kenya not to be manipulated by individuals “pursuing personal gain by sowing seeds of discord.
He said the government will act decisively to ensure peace and protect the investments of hardworking Kenyans
“Most of the businesspeople affected have built their enterprises from scratch. It has taken them decades to get where they are. We cannot let a few misguided youth, sponsored by power-hungry individuals, tear that down in a single night,” he emphasized.
The Deputy President’s remarks come in the wake of politically charged demonstrations that rocked parts of the region, leading to property damage and economic disruption.
He warned that the government will no longer entertain lawlessness disguised as political activism.
Development Over Destruction
Pivoting from politics to development, Kindiki assured Meru residents that the government remains committed to completing ongoing infrastructure projects and launching new ones to spur regional growth.
He emphasized that the Kenya Kwanza administration will be judged not by rhetoric but by tangible results.
“We want a scorecard. When we come back to you in 2027, we will not bring you empty promises. We will come with data: how many roads we tarmacked, how many homes we connected to power, how many markets we built,” he said.
Among the flagship projects, Kindiki highlighted the Gakoromone modern market, poised to be the largest fresh produce market in Kenya.
The government has allocated Sh800 million for its construction, with a firm commitment to complete it before the next general election.
“Gakoromone will change the face of trade in Meru. And that’s just the beginning,” Kindiki said.
He also listed several other market projects currently underway in Lare, Kianjai, Maua, Nkubu, and other towns across the county.
Billions for Infrastructure and Health
Further underscoring the government’s development agenda, Kindiki revealed that Meru County has been allocated Sh 2.2 billion for last-mile electricity connectivity, a move he said will boost small businesses, education, and home living standards.
In a major health boost, he announced that the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital will be elevated to Level 6 status, in line with a directive from President William Ruto.
The transformation will be executed by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), signaling the seriousness of the commitment.
“When we say two terms. We mean two terms of progress. We’re talking about over 100 markets, more hospitals, more roads, and more homes connected to electricity. That’s the legacy we are building,” said Kindiki.
Call to Embrace Universal Health Coverage
Kindiki also encouraged residents to enroll in the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, the government’s newly launched universal health coverage initiative.
He said the program will ensure medical access for all Kenyans, regardless of age or economic background.
“The region must rise above political manipulation and embrace development as the true measure of leadership,” he said.
He urged local leaders to put aside personal interests and work together to uplift their communities.
“This is not about one person or one election. It’s about the dignity of our people and the future of our children,” Kindiki noted.
