Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has sharply criticised the opposition, accusing senior political figures of engaging in divisive rhetoric and undermining the government’s development agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Monday at the Kitui Central Constituency Empowerment Programme held at the Ithookwe Showground, Kindiki called out opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, for what he termed as premature political manoeuvring at the expense of national unity.
“We have come here for development, not for campaigning.
I urge those leaders who are travelling ar
ound the country politicking to stop and wait for 2027,” Kindiki declared, urging political actors to place public service above partisan interests.
He warned that such rhetoric only serves to disrupt the Kenya Kwanza administration’s efforts to promote unity and implement critical reforms, especially in regions historically underserved.
Despite prevailing economic headwinds, the Deputy President outlined several key government initiatives aimed at transforming Kitui County.
Central among them is a Ksh2 billion last-mile electricity project that will connect over 16,000 households, with 2,000 of those connections in Kitui Central.
Kindiki also addressed longstanding infrastructure challenges, announcing that the government has allocated Ksh800 million through the National Land Commission to compensate residents along the 225-kilometre Kibwezi–Mutomo–Kitui Road corridor.
A further Ksh975 million has been earmarked for the construction of the Kyuso–Tseikuru–Tharaka Nithi Road, linking Kitui with neighbouring counties.
He revealed plans to upgrade the Ithookwe Showground, which will host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, and highlighted ongoing national projects such as subsidised fertiliser distribution and the construction of 400 modern markets — five of which will be located in Kitui.
These facilities will also house ICT hubs with free Wi-Fi access to boost digital entrepreneurship.
“Our youth will utilise the ICT hubs within these markets to create employment and will also benefit from free Wi-Fi provided at the hubs,” he said.
The Deputy President also praised the government’s affordable housing programme, which he said has created more than 250,000 jobs for young people.
He encouraged youth to enrol in the Climate Works Programme — a new initiative targeting 110,000 additional jobs — scheduled from 3 to 5 June 2025.
On healthcare, Kindiki urged all citizens to register with Taifa Care under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to benefit from universal health coverage.
The Deputy President was accompanied by top government officials including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, and several MPs and local leaders.
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