Kindiki, Waiguru rally Mt Kenya support for Ruto re-election

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Kirinyaga  Governor Anne Waiguru have vowed to work together to rally the Mt Kenya region behind President William Ruto’s re-election.

The duo urged residents to firmly back the government to “harvest” development benefits, noting that the region overwhelmingly supported the current administration.

Speaking at Kagumo in Kirinyaga Central Constituency after inspecting the ongoing construction of the Kagumo–Mununga–Kiamaina–Kianjagi road, Kindiki asked Kenyans to reject what he termed as empty rhetoric from the opposition, saying those seeking to unseat the President lack a development track record.

Using a vivid analogy, the Deputy President likened leaving government after elections to building a house and abandoning it just before occupation, warning that such a move would deny residents the benefits of their electoral choices.

He also called for respect among leaders, condemning what he described as a growing culture of political insults.

The high-stakes visit, which blended development updates with a strong political message on unity, continuity and staying within the ruling administration, also saw Kindiki commission the Gitaro Last Mile Electricity Supply Project.

He announced that 7,500 additional households in Kirinyaga would be connected to electricity at a cost of Sh440 million, with a broader target of universal household connectivity within the next two to three years to spur enterprise and job creation.

Kindiki also highlighted major infrastructure investments, including a Sh29 billion road project expected to deliver 510 kilometres of tarmac roads across the county, noting that such large-scale development would not have been possible without alignment with the national government.

He further pointed to the establishment of a County Aggregation and Industrial Park, co-funded at Sh500 million, as a key initiative aimed at enhancing value addition and boosting farmers’ incomes.

The visit, which drew large and enthusiastic crowds, saw Governor Waiguru deliver a spirited address highlighting her administration’s track record and urging residents to remain aligned with the government. She framed the county’s progress as clear evidence that “work is talking,” drawing loud affirmation from residents.

She also challenged the opposition, accusing it of engaging in divisive rhetoric rather than development, and asked residents whether they preferred tangible progress or political insults.

Waiguru maintained that her leadership had been guided by the people’s mandate, including their decision to align Kirinyaga with President Ruto’s administration.

Reaffirming her political stance, the governor said she would not abandon the government, emphasising her focus on delivering development and securing the county’s interests at the national level. She cited ongoing collaboration with the national government, including construction of additional markets and development of the Sagana Agro-Industrial City.

Drawing on historical precedent, Waiguru argued that the Mt Kenya region has consistently benefited from being part of government, warning that shifting to the opposition could stall development.

She urged residents to remain politically strategic, noting that national leadership is determined by a broad voter base beyond the region.

Waiguru also signalled the county’s political direction ahead of future elections by endorsing Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari for the governor’s seat, expressing confidence that the next governor would come from the ruling party and continue ongoing projects.

She warned that aligning with the opposition could reverse the gains already made.

Kindiki commended Waiguru as she nears the end of her final term, praising her leadership and development record while cautioning against attempts to undermine her.

The two leaders pledged to support each other’s efforts to ensure that the Deputy President’s position remains in the Mt Kenya region.

Their sentiments were echoed by Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari, who used the platform to push for key economic interventions, including the fast-tracking of the coffee debt waiver and approval of macadamia sales.

The legislator also noted progress in rural electrification, citing 27 last-mile connectivity projects within Kirinyaga Central Constituency.