Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during an engagement with neighbours at his Irunduni home, in Tharaka Nithi county on August 2, 2026/DPCSDeputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed opposition efforts to rally behind a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Kinidki argued that leaders championing a "one-term" agenda lack the development record to earn the confidence of Kenyans.
Speaking during an engagement with residents of Irunduni, Tharaka Nithi County, Kindiki accused opposition leaders of attempting to derail the government's development agenda just as major infrastructure projects were beginning to transform the region.
"Those bringing the slogan of one term just when development has started in our region should stop," Kindiki said.
The Deputy President took aim at opposition figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who has emerged as one of the leaders pushing for a united opposition front, saying those seeking to replace President Ruto had occupied senior government positions for decades without delivering meaningful development.
"The people they are proposing have held powerful government positions for over 50 years, yet they have not brought meaningful development here. They have not even built a tarmac road to their own doorstep, yet they now claim they can come and help us. That is not possible," he said.
Kindiki argued that leaders who had failed to initiate transformative projects while serving in government should not ask Kenyans to entrust them with leadership again.
"If you have done nothing for more than 50 years, you cannot now ask this administration to leave government so that you can take over. It is impossible," he added.
The Deputy President also criticised politicians he accused of attempting to incite residents of the Mt Kenya region against the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying they had neglected the area during their tenure in government.
"Those coming here to incite people in the Mt Kenya region are people who were previously in government. Some even served as Deputy President, yet during that time they never visited Tharaka Nithi or Meru to champion even one road project," Kindiki said.
"There is no major project associated with them in Embu, Meru or Tharaka Nithi. They should give us time and see how work is done."
Kindiki defended the government's record, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration was implementing road infrastructure and other development projects that would spur economic growth and improve livelihoods across the region.
He maintained that the government's performance, rather than political rhetoric, would determine the outcome of the next General Election.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during an engagement with neighbours at his Irunduni home, in Tharaka Nithi county on August 2, 2026/DPCSThe Deputy President also dismissed political pressure from opponents, saying he would not be intimidated by criticism or attacks from rival leaders.
"Because I know they are listening, let them listen carefully. I am not a person to be intimidated. I have fought many battles before, and these political battles are very small. God has given me strength, and I have fought for justice and equality. I cannot be defeated by such people," he said.
Kindiki expressed confidence that the Kenya Kwanza coalition would prevail politically, insisting the administration deserved time to complete its development agenda.
"I will defeat them politically in next year's elections. Do not bring bitterness here simply because you left government," he said.
"When you are entrusted with public office, you must respect fellow leaders, whether senior or junior, and work well with the citizens. Pride and arrogance have consequences. Give us time."
His remarks come amid heightened political activity as opposition leaders intensify consultations on forming a united coalition to field a single presidential candidate against President Ruto in 2027.
The Deputy President, however, maintained that the government's development record would outweigh opposition campaigns, urging residents of the Mt Kenya region to support ongoing projects and judge the administration by its performance rather than political slogans.
