Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has warned politicians against sponsoring political violence. He said those responsible would face serious consequences.
Kindiki said political differences should never justify attacks on opponents or destruction of property. He also warned against actions that threaten national peace. The government, he insisted, would not tolerate violence during campaigns.
“Politics is not war and we will make it extremely costly and painful for anyone who dares to promote the destruction of property and undermine peace among Kenyans. I say this without fear of contradiction that we will not allow it,” he warned.
Kindiki Calls for Peaceful Political Competition
The Deputy President spoke on Monday during a development tour of Othaya Constituency in Nyeri County.
He said every political aspirant should present their agenda freely. Candidates should not face threats or attacks from their rivals.
According to Kindiki, political competition should focus on ideas and development. It should not involve violence.
“Politics is not a matter of life and death. This senseless goonism and violence in politics must come to an end, and it must become extremely painful for anyone who chooses it,” he said.
Furthermore, Kindiki pledged to promote peaceful competition in the Mt. Kenya region. His remarks come as aspirants prepare for the next General Election.
He cited the 1992 and 2002 elections as examples. During those polls, prominent presidential candidates from the region competed without resorting to violence.
“We have had political differences in the past, but we have resolved them peacefully without hurting one another, destroying property or undermining national cohesion. We should never allow it now,” he said.
Kindiki Renews Fight Against Illicit Alcohol
Kindiki also vowed to intensify the fight against illicit alcohol in the Mt. Kenya region.
He expressed concern over dangerous alcoholic drinks harming young people. He said the problem also places a heavy burden on families and communities.
The Deputy President warned traders against selling alcohol mixed with harmful chemicals. He promised firm action against anyone endangering lives.
“We will not tolerate alcohol mixed with chemicals that endanger people’s lives. We will deal firmly and without mercy with all those selling such dangerous alcohol,” he said.
He added that the campaign aims to protect communities. It also seeks to help young people engage in productive activities.
Government Highlights Billions in Nyeri Projects
During the visit, Kindiki inspected the completed Gathunguri-Waihara-Kabebero Road. He also launched tarmacking works on the Giathenge-Ichamama-Witima-Kiuguini Road in Othaya.
In addition, he flagged off rural electrification works. The project targets Kihuro, Kirio and Kianjogu villages.
Later, Kindiki addressed residents at Giathenge Shopping Centre. He outlined ongoing and planned development projects across Nyeri County.
According to the Deputy President, the government is implementing projects worth billions of shillings. These initiatives aim to improve infrastructure and public services.
The projects include 775 kilometres of roads valued at KSh45 billion. The roads are currently at different stages of completion.
Meanwhile, the government is constructing 13 modern markets. It is also developing the Ruringu and Othaya stadiums.
The stadium projects have budgets of KSh900 million and KSh55 million, respectively.
12,000 Homes Targeted for Electricity Connections
Kindiki said the government had disbursed KSh650 million for rural electrification in Nyeri County.
The programme aims to connect 12,000 homes to electricity during the current financial year.
Additionally, Nyeri has received affordable housing projects, hostels and modern markets worth KSh17 billion. The government also has further projects valued at KSh5 billion in the pipeline.
The Deputy President also highlighted support for dairy farmers. Nyeri received 13 milk coolers under a national programme.
The initiative seeks to reduce milk spoilage and improve storage. It also aims to support value addition in the dairy sector.
Othaya Hospital Upgraded as Government Promises More Projects
Kindiki said the Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital in Othaya had been upgraded to Level 6. He added that the facility was fully equipped to improve healthcare services.
He also said Nyeri Level 5 Hospital had received a KSh1 billion upgrade. The investment aims to strengthen its capacity to serve patients.
The Deputy President promised to complete ongoing projects. He also pledged to introduce more development initiatives in the coming weeks.
“I am working hard to ensure completion of all these projects because I know I have to account for what I have done when we come back to request for your votes. I will not come back with empty promises, I will come with fulfilled promises,” he said.
He urged residents to support the government’s development programmes. According to Kindiki, the projects would improve living standards for current and future generations.
Leaders Accompany Kindiki During Nyeri Tour
Several leaders accompanied the Deputy President during the tour. They included Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga and Othaya MP Wambugu Wainaina.
Others were Nyeri Town MP Maina Mathenge and Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina.
Principal Secretaries Alex Wachira of Energy and Caroline Karugu of EAC Affairs also attended. Elijah Mwangi, the Acting Principal Secretary for ASALs and Regional Development, was also present.
Kindiki maintained that the government would continue investing in development. He also reiterated his commitment to tackling political violence and illicit alcohol.
