Kindiki defends Ruto record as Raila allies signal 2027 backing

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has firmly dismissed critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that calls to remove President William Ruto in the 2027 elections are unfounded.

Speaking at a public engagement in Maragua before heading to Kisumu, Kindiki defended the government’s performance, citing significant progress in economic stabilisation, infrastructure, and social welfare programs.

In a notable shift, allies of ODM leader Raila Odinga, who joined the DP in Kisumu, expressed willingness to work with President William Ruto’s government, citing development projects as a key motivator.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, a close Odinga associate, stated that the region would engage constructively with the administration rather than heed calls for confrontation.

“We are going to solve our issues within the broad-based government. We won’t heed calls of those who are pushing us to quit,” the governor, who is ODM chairperson, said.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula echoed this sentiment, calling for national unity and continued development, suggesting a potential realignment in Kenya’s political landscape. 

In his speeches, the DP said the government of the day had achieved milestones like never seen in the first terms of the past regimes.

Kindiki urged for peaceful political competition focused on the agenda of helping citizens realise their dreams.

‘Let us not bring chaos and destruction of property in our politics. We have never had politics of violence and of burning shops,” the DP said.

In an apparent swipe at his competitors, the DP revisited past incidents when Mt Kenya had rival candidates who competed without resorting to violence of any form.

“Whoever is hiding behind political competition to bring violence and destruction of property should know they are the enemy of the people of Mt Kenya,” Kindiki said.

The DP said politicians have to drop politics of violence, saying it was not possible for everyone to agree on issues.

“I have not said that we all agree…anyone who wants to vie can do so, but we will not condone any form of violence,” Kindiki said, vouching for ideology-driven politics.

The DP said the works were evident in the face of contractors who had abandoned sites over non-payment, some from the past administration, hitting the ground running again.

“We want to have most of the projects ready before the election so that when we come asking for votes, we have something to point at,” the deputy president said.

He also dismissed critics of the economic empowerment program he’s been rallying across the country, saying the naysayers have no clue about the plight of the target groups.

“We will proceed with it since Kenyans have given us feedback of how it is changing their lives.”

The deputy president said the people who were against the business boost “had filled their bellies”, hence have no idea of “people sleeping hungry elsewhere”.

“We are here on the invitations of these groups. We have not invited ourselves. We believe that we must stand with wananchi and support where we can, now, not during electioneering season.”

During the Maragua meeting hosted by Maragua MP Mary Wamua and Murang’a woman representative Betty Maina, the DP said the government was also on track in its plan for farmers.

He further said modern markets as progressing well, saying the government has planned to fast-track those whose works have yet to take off.

The DP assured the residents of Murang’a that the Ruto administration had plans for jobs for young people, starting with the Kazi Mtaani program.

“Affordable housing and markets that are under construction have also provided jobs for over 300,000 young people with various skills,” Kindiki said.

He added that other jobs have been created through community health promoters, and also teachers, holding that Kenya Kwanza has fared better on jobs than the past regimes.

The DP added that the social health authority plan was also progressing well, announcing that more than 25 million Kenyans had registered as of Friday.

“Ours is to push for the registration until all 55 million Kenyans get to be covered under the program.”

Leaders who accompanied the DP rallied the attendees to consider giving President Ruto a second term in office, saying the country was on the right path. 

INSTANT ANALYSISDrumbeats of the 2027 political contest are sounding louder by the day, with the rival sides mounting different strategies to woo the masses, the ruling regime picking on development. Whether this strategy will overcome growing economic pressures and political opposition remains to be seen. For now, the administration appears to be projecting confidence in its ability to retain power through tangible achievements rather than rhetoric.