Kindiki Defends Ruto’s Record, Urges Leaders to Focus on Development Ahead of 2027 Polls

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended President William Ruto’s development record, urging political leaders to focus on policies, infrastructure and the cost of living instead of personal attacks as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at a public engagement rally in Nessuit Township, Njoro Constituency, Nakuru County, Kindiki said leaders should be judged by their development record and proposals for addressing citizens’ challenges.

He cited ongoing road construction, market development, electricity connections and government interventions in agriculture as evidence of the administration’s priorities.

“Tell us what you did when you held a position like the one the Deputy President holds today. What did you bring to Njoro? Which roads did you build? What did you do about electricity? Which market did you build here?” Kindiki posed.

The Deputy President said political competition should not undermine national unity, warning against tribal divisions, insults and rhetoric that could trigger hostility among Kenyans.

“Fortunately, you know them. Listen to what they have to say, but do not throw stones at anyone. Let them express themselves, and when they finish speaking, let them go their way,” he said.

Kindiki urged residents to maintain peace and allow leaders to express their political views without destruction of property or intimidation.

He also defended the government’s bottom-up economic approach, saying development should benefit both wealthy citizens and those struggling to meet their basic needs.

“This Kenya does not belong to big people alone; it also belongs to small people and those at the grassroots. Even mama mboga is an important person. As we move forward, let us uphold the principle that usawa ni sawa,” he said.

On infrastructure, Kindiki said the government was targeting 870 kilometres of roads in Nakuru County at a cost of Sh38 billion. He also cited ongoing electricity projects worth Sh3 billion intended to connect an additional 25,000 households across the county.

Within Njoro, he said Sh370 million had been set aside to connect 3,200 households to electricity.

The Deputy President further highlighted market construction, saying the Nessuit market was 99 per cent complete and would be officially handed over within a month. The Mauche and Kihingo markets were also nearing completion.

He said the three markets would cost Sh55 million, Sh56 million and Sh65 million, respectively, as part of Nakuru County’s wider market development programme.

Kindiki also cited government interventions in agriculture, including subsidised fertiliser and increased milk prices, saying the measures were intended to support farmers and improve household incomes.

He said fertiliser would be available at Sh2,000, while milk prices paid to farmers had been raised to Sh65 per litre following an announcement by President Ruto on Mashujaa Day.

As the election approaches, Kindiki called on political leaders to present policy alternatives and explain their development records rather than engage in personal attacks.

“When you come here as a leader, do not bring insults, contempt or tribalism. Tell us what you did,” he said.