Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Sunday accused President William Ruto's critics of trivialising the government's proposed Vision 2060 blueprint.
He said Kenyans should instead demand competing ideas on the country's long-term future rather than engage in political rhetoric.
Speaking at Irunduni in Tharaka Nithi County on Sunday, Kindiki said the national conversation initiated by President Ruto on Vision 2060 was one of the most consequential undertakings of this generation and should not be reduced to partisan politics.
"The invitation by President William Ruto to all Kenyans to deliberate on the long-term future of our country is profound," Kindiki said.
"It is the most consequential undertaking for us in this generation and an opportunity to impact future generations. This is not an engagement to be joked about or treated lightly."
He challenged the opposition to present an alternative national development vision instead of dismissing the government's proposals.
"We expect those who want to lead this country to provide an alternative vision. We are projecting into the future to build on the transformative and inclusive progress we have made over the last four years," he said.
Kindiki expressed surprise that some leaders seeking the presidency appeared unwilling to engage with the long-term planning agenda.
"It is surprising that some people who claim they want to lead our country have such little understanding of where the country is and where it is headed," he said.
The Deputy President defended the Kenya Kwanza administration's development record, saying the government had consistently provided evidence of its achievements despite persistent criticism.
"President Ruto and all of us are daily providing a compelling and comprehensive outline of the ongoing projects and programmes, backed by evidence. But either our critics have no eyes or they are opposing for the sake of it," he said.
He also sought to reassure Kenya Kwanza supporters amid recent political speculation surrounding the 2027 General Election.
"To our supporters and our people, relax. There is no reason to worry about anything. Nothing has changed," Kindiki said.
His remarks came against the backdrop of renewed debate over President Ruto's running mate in the 2027 General Election.
The Deputy President dismissed claims by some opposition figures that he was unfit to retain the position, saying he would not be distracted by critics.
Opposition politicians have in recent weeks claimed that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is being courted to become President Ruto's running mate, even as sections of the broad-based government have fuelled speculation over the ticket following the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
Without mentioning Kalonzo by name, Kindiki appeared to dismiss the veteran opposition leader as a politician whose time had passed.
"Mr 40 Years has to go home," he said.
"I am not a person to joke with. I am not your size. We have fought many battles. The political fights you are engaging in are very little. I will not sit and watch these critics, who could not work during their time, come and derail us."
Kindiki then turned to the government's development agenda, saying President Ruto had asked him to convey his greetings to residents and reaffirm the administration's commitment to equitable development across the country.
"Receive greetings from President Ruto," he told residents.
He said the Kenya Kwanza administration had made a deliberate decision to ensure that every part of the country benefited from government projects, ending what he described as decades of regional discrimination.
"Four years since this government came to power, we resolved that no part of Kenya would be left behind in matters of development," he said.
"There has been marginalisation, with some regions being left behind. President William Ruto and I resolved that for our country to prosper, every part of the country must be served."
According to Kindiki, the government inherited more than 6,000 kilometres of stalled road projects but had since paid contractors and resumed construction.
"When we formed the government, we found ongoing projects that had stalled. We resolved to complete them. We have paid all the contractors who had claims against the government, and they have resumed work," he said.
He linked the administration's request for a second term to what he described as tangible progress in economic recovery and infrastructure development.
"This two-term agenda is not just talk. It is because we have worked on the economy, and we are making steady progress in development," he said.
The Deputy President highlighted several road projects underway in Tharaka Nithi, including the Chakarika-Marimanthi-Gatonga Road, the Kaanwa-Mwanjate TTI-Kamuteria Road, the Itogororo-Maende-Mate Road and the Kamuwongo Road, saying they would significantly improve connectivity in the region.
He urged residents to ignore calls for Kenya Kwanza to serve only one term and instead allow the government time to complete its development agenda.
"Tell those people not to rush us with this one-term talk when we have only just begun our work," Kindiki said.
"It is sad that some people have been around for 40 years, yet they have not even built an inch of tarmac."
