Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on opposition leaders to engage in a substantive political discourse centered on concrete development accomplishments, demanding they explain their contributions to Kenyans during their previous tenures in office.
During a Thursday visit to ongoing government initiatives in Tigania West, Meru County, Professor Kindiki emphasized that future political competitions should be evaluated based on leaders’ performance histories rather than mere verbal exchanges.
The Deputy President stated that leadership will be assessed by the tangible projects and programs executed to enhance the well-being of everyday citizens.
“Each leader is recognized by their service to the public. At the appropriate time, we will present the roads, water initiatives, markets, and electricity connections we have implemented. Our adversaries must also be prepared to demonstrate their achievements during their time in governance,” he stated.
Professor Kindiki refuted assertions from critics depicting him as politically ineffectual, declaring his continued dedication to public service and the realization of the government’s developmental objectives.
“I am not easily swayed as certain individuals suggest. We remain concentrated on our responsibilities and devoted to serving the populace,” he added.
During the visit, the Deputy President examined the advancement of the Kianjai Modern Market, a significant commercial establishment anticipated for completion within the upcoming two months. He also assessed road construction efforts in Kianjai township designed to enhance transportation and stimulate local economic activity.
Professor Kindiki noted that the administration under President William Ruto has allocated considerable funds toward infrastructure advancement throughout Meru County, encompassing a substantial road development initiative valued at Sh39.5 billion.
He highlighted that this venture encompasses the resumption of halted roadway projects initiated by prior administrations. Within Meru town specifically, Sh3.7 billion has been designated for the restoration and enhancement of municipal thoroughfares.
“All constituencies in Meru County will equitably share from the road development allocation. We have settled outstanding payments to contractors, with most having returned to their construction sites, while others are preparing to recommence operations,” he stated.
Beyond roadway infrastructure, the government is making substantial investments in contemporary marketplaces throughout the county to assist merchants and invigorate regional economies.
Market facilities in Kianjai, Maua, Laare, Mutuati and Mikinduri are approaching finalization, with each project costing between Sh300 million and Sh350 million.
Additionally, 12 further Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) marketplaces are currently being developed in Timau, Kiirua, Gikumene, Gatimbi, Mujwa, Mwichuine, Igoji, Kamachege, Mulika, Nchiru, Kangeta and Athiru Gaiti. These establishments are being constructed at expenditures ranging between Sh55 million and Sh70 million.
The Deputy President also underscored continuous initiatives to broaden electricity accessibility in the area. The administration has already released Sh2.3 billion to connect an additional 27,000 residences to the national power network. A Sh300 million electrical substation is likewise being constructed in the Nyambene region to improve power availability.
While addressing political tensions in the area, Professor Kindiki implored opposition leaders visiting Meru to refrain from adversarial political tactics and personal criticisms directed at local officials.
He cautioned that leadership should be founded on addressing people’s difficulties rather than resorting to insults or inciting discord.
“You cannot achieve success as a leader if your sole activities involve denigrating other leaders, provoking citizens against each other, promoting violence, or delivering hollow statements without substantive solutions,” he stated.
The Deputy President additionally advocated for unity among leaders and inhabitants of the Meru region, stressing that political divergences should not compromise community solidarity.
As a member of the esteemed Njuri Ncheke council of elders, Professor Kindiki declared his commitment to honoring fellow leaders irrespective of political disagreements.
“I bear no ill will toward any leader from Meru. I have pardoned those who have insulted me. As an elder of Njuri Ncheke, I understand that our community must stay united both now and following elections. Disrespecting fellow elders is not our tradition,” he stated.
The Deputy President was joined on the tour by Meru Deputy Governor Linda Kiome, John Mutunga (Tigania West MP), Dan Kiili (Igembe Central MP), and Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East MP), along with numerous Members of County Assembly and other community leaders.