Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Sunday urged Mt Kenya voters to rally behind President William Ruto’s re-election come 2027 claiming Kenya’s next Head of State lies in keeping the Kenya Kwanza administration in power.
Addressing worshippers and residents during a series of church functions and a public rally in Meru County, Prof. Kindiki said supporting President Ruto for a second term would position Mt Kenya to inherit the country’s top leadership after the President completes his constitutional tenure.
He urged residents against what he termed “gambling” with the next general election by shifting political allegiance, insisting that the region stands to gain more by remaining firmly within the ruling coalition.
Using a football analogy, the Deputy President likened himself to a striker ready to score, saying he was best placed to succeed President Ruto when the time comes.
“Just like in football, the player in the best position receives the ball and scores for the team. After President Ruto, I am best placed to take over. Why should anyone pass the ball backwards when the striker is already facing the goal?” he noted.
Prof. Kindiki, who attended services at the Methodist Church Abothuguchi Synod in Imenti Central and later at the Methodist Church Laare Synod in Igembe North before addressing a rally in Laare town, said opposition political formations offered Mt Kenya no realistic path to the presidency.
He maintained that the region should seize what he described as a rare political opportunity by ensuring President Ruto secures a second and final term before discussions on succession begin.
The second in command also used the tour to defend his own political credentials, saying his years in public service had prepared him for higher office.
He cited his decade-long stint as Tharaka Nithi senator, his leadership roles in the Senate, his tenure as Interior Cabinet Secretary and his current position as Deputy President as evidence of his experience.
“People can continue belittling me if they wish, but my record is clear. I have served this country diligently in every office entrusted to me,” he said.
Prof. Kindiki rooted his appeal on what he termed the government’s development record in Meru and the wider Mt Kenya region, saying residents should support an administration that has invested heavily in infrastructure and public services.
He listed the ongoing upgrade of Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital to a Level Six facility, road projects valued at Sh39 billion, electricity connectivity projects worth Sh2.3 billion, modern market construction and the planned redesign of the Nithi Bridge among key projects being implemented.
The Deputy President said compensation challenges affecting the Nithi Bridge project were being addressed to allow construction to proceed.
“There is no government that has paid as much attention to this region as President Ruto’s administration. We ask our people to support a government that has demonstrated its commitment through action,” he said.
He also appealed for patience, saying the administration remained committed to fulfilling all campaign pledges despite pressure to deliver within a short period.
“The President is expected to solve every challenge immediately, yet this country has had four presidents before him. We are implementing our promises systematically and every commitment will be honoured,” he said.
Earlier, Prof. Kindiki led a fundraising drive for the construction of the Methodist Church Abothuguchi Synod headquarters before representing President Ruto at another fundraiser for the construction of the Methodist Church Laare Synod in Igembe North.
