Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has criticized sections of the opposition, accusing them of engaging in petty and unproductive politics, while urging residents of Mt Kenya region to defend their leaders against insults.
Speaking on Wednesday during a development tour of Kirinyaga Central Constituency, Kirinyaga County, Prof Kindiki emphasized the need for mutual respect among leaders regardless of their political affiliation.
He cautioned residents against tolerating leaders who use abusive language, saying such conduct undermines national unity and constructive dialogue.
“Do not allow anyone to come here and insult your leaders. You need to stand firm but remain respectful. Do not be intimidated into silence but also do not be drawn into unnecessary hostility and contests,” the Deputy President said.
Prof Kindiki made the remarks while commissioning and inspecting key development projects in the constituency.
“We will not allow Rigathi Gachagua to drag Mt. Kenya region into the opposition. We are more focused on development and not his divisive and outdated politics,” said Kindiki.
Among the projects was the Gatarwa Last Mile Electricity Supply Project, which will connect 165 households to electricity at a cost of Sh9.5 million.
He later inspected the ongoing construction of the Kagumo–Mununga–Kiamaina–Kianjagi Road before addressing residents at Kagumo Trading Centre.
During his address, the Deputy President took issue with what he described as “chest-thumping” by certain opposition leaders, arguing that such tactics lacked substance and failed to offer meaningful solutions to Kenyans.
“This kind of chest-thumping from some of the opposition leaders who have limited influence leads nowhere. The world is guided by wisdom, not incitement, noise or a lack of a clear agenda and direction. We have seen such petty politics before and it is useless,” he lamented.
He reiterated that the Mt Kenya region would not risk disengaging from the current administration, noting that residents must prioritize development and tangible benefits.
“We will ensure that our people benefit as much as possible from the development brought by this government because it is a government we elected. We will not stand by and allow outsiders, especially those who have done little for their own people, to come and claim space here,” he added.
The Deputy President also called on leaders across the political divide to uphold respect for the Presidency, warning that attacks and insults directed at national leaders only serve to lower the quality of public discourse.
“We have had many influential leaders from the Mount Kenya region who served with dignity and did not resort to insulting or belittling others because leadership requires respect and responsibility. Resulting to abuse against the President or other leaders lowers the level of discourse and does not help anyone,” he noted.
Prof Kindiki stressed that the government remains committed to delivering development projects across the country, urging residents to support ongoing initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods.
He said infrastructure development, electrification and economic empowerment programmes were key pillars of the administration’s agenda, adding that political distractions should not derail progress.
Leaders present at the event echoed the Deputy President’s sentiments, calling for unity and collaboration in advancing development priorities in the region.
Among those in attendance were Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Deputy Governor David Githanda, Kirinyaga Central MP David Gitari, Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge, and County Assembly Speaker Muteti Murimi, alongside several Members of County Assembly.
Waiguru at the same time urged Mt Kenya region to remain focused on unity and development, saying the country’s progress depends on respectful engagement and issue-based politics rather than divisive rhetoric.
Edited by John Majau
