Kindiki roots for Ruto as he launches last mile project

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki launched a last mile electricity connectivity project for North Imenti in Meru, as he campaigned for President William Ruto's re-election next year.

Though Prof Kindiki was in the region for the electricity project for North Imenti families, he toured ongoing affordable housing programme at Mwendantu, and revealed a Sh1b modern Gakoromone market in Meru town was about to start.

The DP said the sewage plant at Gakoromone will be relocated to pave way for the new market which he said will create a conducive trading environment for local traders.

"It is going to be the biggest market, and will empower the local communities," he said.

He was accompanied by Governor Isaac Mutuma , DG Linda Kiome-Gitonga, North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood, Kenyan Ambassador to the Netherlands Halima Mucheke and other leaders.

On the electricity project Kindiki  said the target of the Ruto administration was to ensure families in Meru are connected, to improve living conditions and raise education standards.

"Sh2.3b has been allocated to connect 26, 500 homes across Meru county. We want electricity in every house, be it a stone, timber or other type of house, so that the children can use the light to do their homework and do well in their studies."

But politics took centre stage during the tour, with Kindiki and the other leaders committing to mount a successful campaign for re-election of President Ruto.

Kindiki exuded confidence that the Kenya Kwanza development projects will stand them in good stead as they try to stave off a sustained onslaught by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition leaders.

Kindiki brushed off the threat posed by Mr Gachagua, former vice-president Kalonzo Musyoka and others, to Ruto's re-election bid.

"Kalonzo was vice president for five years and Rigathi DP for two years. When they come to Meru to do politics they should first show you the projects they brought here," he said.

Kindiki said he was using his time as the second in command to lobby for impactful projects, saying projects Ruto had started in Meru will grow its economy and improve lives.

"President Ruto and I are building the Meru Level Six hospital, Gakoromone market, Meru town roads. I challenge them (Gachagua and Kalonzo) to tell the people of Kenya what they did for them when they were in power,” he said.

 Kindiki, a former senator of Tharaka Nithi and senate majority leader and deputy speaker, said he was confident they will beat the opposition because of their development record.

 “We cannot be afraid of people who are full of insults. Some of them had the opportunity to deliver development for the people but because of their incompetence they were kicked out. When they come here, you should ask them what they did for Meru people when they were in power."

 Prof. Kindiki launched Kambiti Last Mile Electricity Project, inspected Mwendatu Affordable Housing Project and took time to address people in Meru town.

 The DP said Kenyans will judge leaders during next year's polls based on impactful development projects, not divisive politics and insults.

 “The contest for the next elections has been clearly defined. Every leader will account for their time in office. They will be required to tell the people what they did with their time in office. Insults will not take you anywhere,” he stated.

He said Ruto's re-election will be anchored on projects he has initiated across the country.

 “We are not just telling you to re-elect President Ruto. We have a lot of projects to account for our time in office. Meru Referral Hospital has elevated to a Level 6, we are constructing many modern markets including one of the biggest, Gakoromone in Meru town."

He said road projects at billions of shillings are also in various stages of construction in the County including revamping of Meru town link roads.

 “As a community, we must support President Ruto. We have no other option than to support the President to secure his second term as we look ahead to elections after next year’s,” he said.

He stopped short of saying he was eyeing to succeed Ruto.

"Next year we will vote for President Ruto, for him to complete his second and final term and join (former president) Uhuru in retirement. Afterwards..."