Africa-Press – Kenya. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has cautioned the opposition against what he termed as attempts to sponsor violence in Mbeere North ahead of next week’s by-election.
He said the government will not tolerate efforts to disrupt peace in the constituency.
Kindiki, who is leading campaigns for UDA candidate Leonard Muriuki Wamuthende Leo, accused some opposition figures of inciting tension to derail the electoral process.
He warned that local communities should not be divided for political gain.
“We cannot allow people to incite us against each other when we know the challenges we face in Mt Kenya East. We have no issue with our opponents, but we will not accept attempts by one person to use goons to divide the peaceful people of Embu and Mbeere North,” he said.
Speaking in Karambari on Tuesday, Kindiki criticised leaders who previously held senior government positions, saying they failed to improve the lives of residents yet are now insulting elected local leaders.
“You did nothing when you were in office, and now you are here lecturing and insulting Embu leaders chosen by wananchi. This is unacceptable. The era of pride and insults is over,” he said.
Kindiki said the ruling coalition fully backs Leo, arguing that he is best suited to advance development and ensure ongoing government projects are completed on time.
Key national government projects in the area include the tarmacking of the Saikago–Kanyuambora and Gukuyari–Muminji–Kirie–Ishiara roads.
The Deputy President said President William Ruto has prioritised these works after previous administrations failed to deliver them.
Embu County, he added, has also received 12 modern markets, including three in Mbeere North.
The Ishiara market is near completion, while new markets in Siakago and Karambari are set to break ground soon.
Water projects are underway in Kanyuambora, Nthawa and neighbouring areas, while the government has doubled the last-mile electricity allocation in the constituency to Sh500 million.
Kindiki urged voters not to be swayed by the opposition, warning that development projects could stall if the MP elected does not work with the government.
“With Leo in Parliament, it will be easier to push for the completion of all these projects. You cannot have someone in Parliament who will oppose the President and his government from day one,” he said.
UDA’s Leo will face Democratic Party candidate Newton Karish, among others in the battle for the seat that fell vacant after former MP Geoffrey Ruku joined Ruto’s Cabinet.
Ruku who has been on the ground campaigning for Leo currently serves as Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary.
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