Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged residents of the Mt Kenya region to stand up for their elected leaders against what he termed as insults, as political tensions continue to shape national discourse.

Speaking on Wednesday during a development tour of Kirinyaga County, Kindiki said that while political differences are expected, leaders deserve respect regardless of political affiliation.

“Do not allow anyone to come here and insult your leaders. Stand firm but remain respectful. Do not be intimidated into silence, but also do not be drawn into unnecessary hostility and contests,” he said.

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He added that the region would continue backing the current administration, warning against what he described as attempts by “outsiders” to gain political ground in the area.

“We will ensure that our people benefit as much as possible from the development brought by this government because it is a government we elected. We will not stand by and allow outsiders, especially those who have done little for their own people, to come and claim space here,” he said.

Kindiki also called for decorum in political engagement, urging leaders to avoid personal attacks and instead focus on development and service delivery.

“Leadership requires respect and responsibility. Resorting to abuse against the President or other leaders lowers the level of discourse and does not help anyone,” he said.

The Deputy President made the remarks while commissioning and inspecting projects in Kirinyaga Central Constituency, where he also used the platform to rally support for the government’s development agenda.

He commissioned the Gatarwa Last Mile Electricity Supply Project, which will connect 165 households to power for Sh9.5 million. The project is part of the government’s broader plan to expand electricity access in rural areas.

Later, Kindiki inspected the ongoing construction of the Kagumo–Mununga–Kiamaina–Kianjagi road and addressed residents at Kagumo Trading Centre, where he criticised sections of the opposition.

“This kind of chest-thumping from some of the opposition leaders who have limited influence leads nowhere. The world is guided by wisdom, not incitement, noise or a lack of a clear agenda and direction,” he said.

The Deputy President was accompanied by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Deputy Governor David Githanda, Kirinyaga Central MP David Gitari, Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge, and County Speaker Muteti Murimi, among other local leaders.

The leaders reiterated the need for unity in the region, even as political contestation continues to intensify ahead of future electoral cycles.