Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addresses grassroots women leaders from Meru County at his Irunduni home in Tharaka Nithi, on August 6, 2026/ DPCSDeputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Mithika Linturi and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi to "come back home".
Speaking on Thursday during an engagement with grassroots women leaders from Meru County at his Irunduni home in Tharaka Nithi, Kindiki said he had forgiven leaders who had previously criticised him and was ready to work with them for the benefit of the Mt Kenya East region.
"I have no issue with leaders who insulted me. I forgive them and ask them to come, we work," Kindiki said.
Deputy President said he had noticed that some leaders from the region were increasingly being treated with contempt in their current political camps and urged them to return and work with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
"I have seen that our brothers have started being treated with contempt. I want to tell them to come on board so that we can work together because we are one people," he said.
Kindiki said there was no reason for leaders from Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi to remain in political arrangements where they were not respected.
"They should come and work with the Fireman in this government so that we can help them secure positions in ministries and other senior offices because this is our government," he said.
The Deputy President insisted he had no personal differences with any political leader from the region despite years of rivalry.
"I have no issue with any of my fellow leaders from this region and I love them," he said.
He argued that political competition should not destroy the long-standing relationship between communities in the larger Mt Kenya region.
"There are people talking about the communities of Mt Kenya. I want you to hear me clearly: the relationship between the Kikuyu, Meru and Embu communities in business, politics and culture did not begin today. It has existed for a long time," Kindiki said.
He recalled that the three communities had consistently supported leaders from the region, including founding President Jomo Kenyatta, former President Mwai Kibaki and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
"When the first President Jomo Kenyatta came to power, we supported him 100 per cent. We also supported President Mwai Kibaki and later President Uhuru Kenyatta," he said.
Kindiki also revisited his relationship with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying he never disrespected him while serving as Interior Cabinet Secretary.
"When Rigathi was the Deputy President, I was the Cabinet Secretary for Interior. There was not even one day that I disrespected him," he said.
He said their difference came up with their stance in government where he supports and Gachagua opposes it.
According to the Deputy President, his decision to remain in government enabled him to lobby for development projects across Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi.
He cited more than 21 modern markets under construction in Meru County, the completion of Chuka Market in Tharaka Nithi and ongoing works on roads worth Sh39 billion in Meru alone.
"I want to assure you that I am working day and night to ensure we bring development to this region because for a long time our region was left behind," he said.
Kindiki also cautioned against politics of insults, saying he preferred respectful engagement but would respond if repeatedly provoked.
"Recently, he said that he does not want insults. I also will not insult him. But if he continues with insults and disrespect, I will respond accordingly because I am not someone to be intimidated," he said.
