Deputy President Kithure Kindiki with Nyeri County elected leaders in Thuthwa, Mathira, on September 29, 2026Deputy President Kithure Kindiki took his campaign to consolidate support in Mt Kenya to Mathira constituency, the political backyard of his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, on Tuesday.
During the development tour, Kindiki used the opportunity to defend President William Ruto’s development record in the region.
The visit comes as the political contest for influence in Mt Kenya intensifies, with Kindiki positioning himself as a unifying figure in a region where Gachagua remains a major political force.
Gachagua represented Mathira in Parliament before becoming Deputy President and has maintained his Wamunyoro political base in the constituency since leaving office.
Defending the government’s record, Kindiki said the Ruto administration had embarked on an ambitious road construction programme in Nyeri county, with 775km targeted for upgrading to tarmac at a cost of Sh45 billion.
He cited the completion of the Sagana-Karatina-Marua section of the Thika-Kenol-Sagana-Marua dual carriageway, which is expected to be extended to Nyeri town, as part of the government’s ongoing infrastructure programme.
He also listed the Ndima-ini-Gatina road among projects being implemented in the county.
“Still in Mathira constituency, Muthua-Kiawarigi-Kabiruini Road, Kiamwangi-Kahuru-Gitemani Road and Karura-Kiawarigi Road are being tarmacked,” Kindiki said.
He said improved road infrastructure would support agriculture and local businesses by reducing transport costs and improving the movement of people and goods.
“Paved road infrastructure will boost the local economy, boost the agricultural sector, ease movement of goods and people, create short-term jobs and promote trade,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President also used the visit to reinforce his recent call for political unity in Mt Kenya, saying he had taken up the task following his engagement with elders from across the region.
“We agreed that we will move in one direction as one mountain. We don’t want anyone who will divide us,” Kindiki said.
He said he would avoid engaging in personal political attacks, even when targeted by his opponents.
“I have also said that I will not insult anyone and if anyone abuses me, I will not respond. We are focused on development,” the DP said.
Kindiki has in recent weeks increased his political engagements across Mt Kenya, combining development tours with meetings with elders, community leaders and grassroots networks.
The latest push followed a meeting of elders from the Kikuyu, Embu, Mbeere and Meru communities at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu county on September 19.
They endorsed Kindiki as the region’s spokesperson and representative in advancing its interests.
The elders called for unity among the communities and urged residents to participate in peaceful political activities as the country moves towards the 2027 elections.
Kindiki subsequently said he had been tasked by the elders to prevent the region from being divided along political or East-West lines.
“I have clear orders to unite Mt Kenya region. We might be affiliated to different formations but the elders requested me to ensure peaceful political contests. Aspirants will sell their agenda and voters will decide who to vote for,” he said during a development tour of Kieni constituency last week.
The unity campaign is unfolding against a backdrop of an increasingly competitive political contest in Mt Kenya.
Gachagua has continued to mobilise opposition to the Ruto administration and retain influence in his former political base.
Recent political exchanges have also pitted his camp against that of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, as different leaders position themselves ahead of 2027.
Gachagua has also criticised the government’s attempts to consolidate support in the region, accusing Ruto and his allies of seeking to divide Mt Kenya along regional lines.
The former DP made the claims after a September 19 elders’ meeting at Kirigiti.
The government, however, has continued to argue that its development record in the region provides a basis for rebuilding its political support.
Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku recently dismissed claims Ruto had lost support in Mt Kenya and pointed to the presence of leaders from the region in government.
In Mathira, Kindiki linked the government’s development programme directly to its political appeal, arguing the administration deserved another term because it was delivering on the promises made to voters in 2022.
He said the government was effectively “repaying” the votes it received through development projects.
Kindiki also addressed the growing concern over illicit alcohol in the region, condemning traders involved in the manufacture and distribution of dangerous brews and pledging a tougher government response.
The issue has recently emerged as a major public concern in parts of Mt Kenya, where several deaths linked to illicit alcohol have been reported, adding another challenge for national and county authorities.
Kindiki was accompanied by Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge and Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina, as well as members of the county assembly and other local leaders.
Instant analysis
Kindiki’s Mathira visit was more than a development tour. It took him directly into Gachagua’s political backyard, signalling that the Deputy President is prepared to challenge the former DP’s influence on his home turf. By putting roads and other projects at the centre of his message, Kindiki is also testing whether development can be converted into political goodwill.
