Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called for political reconciliation and unity in the Mt Kenya region, urging leaders to abandon insults and divisive politics while rallying residents to support President William Ruto's re-election in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an engagement in Meru County, Kindiki said the region should remain united despite political differences, adding that he had forgiven those who had criticised him and was ready to work with leaders across the political divide.
The Deputy President said residents had asked him to continue supporting President Ruto's administration diligently and faithfully, describing the appointment as a demonstration of the President's confidence in the Mt Kenya region.
"You have told me that you are grateful to President William Ruto for appointing me as his Deputy President, and you have asked me to continue helping him, working extremely hard and remaining faithful as we implement his development agenda so that our community will continue to be known for trustworthiness," Kindiki said.
He appealed to leaders to tone down political rhetoric, saying elections should not permanently divide communities.
"I am ready to reach out to all my brothers, whether they are in Government or in the Opposition, so that we can sit down and agree that, despite our political differences, we should not insult one another. I have forgiven everyone who has insulted me, and if I have offended anyone in any way, I ask for their forgiveness because I want us to move forward together in unity and mutual respect," he said.
Kindiki expressed confidence that President Ruto would secure a second term, citing what he described as the administration's efforts to unite the country and implement development programmes.
"I have no doubt that President William Ruto will be re-elected next year for a second term. We should not make the mistake of weakening ourselves by giving him few votes. Our region must also demonstrate strong support. Voting for President William Ruto next year is voting for ourselves because I serve as his Deputy President in this Government," he said.
The Deputy President also appealed for reconciliation among leaders from the Mt Kenya region, saying political competition should not destroy longstanding social and cultural ties.
He said the relationship between the Ameru, Agikuyu and Aembu communities predates Kenya's independence and should not be undermined by contemporary political disagreements.
"Since Kenya gained independence, we have done business, politics and cultural activities together as the GEMA community—Ameru, Agikuyu and Aembu. I did not start the unity of GEMA, and neither did President Mwai Kibaki nor President Uhuru Kenyatta. It began a long time ago, and nobody has the right to destroy that relationship. We are one team," Kindiki said.
He urged elders from across the Mt Kenya region to engage one another in dialogue to preserve unity and strengthen relations between communities in Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West.
Without directly attacking his predecessor, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kindiki said he had always respected and supported him while serving as Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration.
"When Hon. Rigathi Gachagua was the Deputy President while I served as Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, there was not a single day that I disrespected or insulted him. I supported him fully, 100 per cent," he said.
Kindiki also thanked President Ruto for retaining the Deputy President's office in the Mt Kenya region after Gachagua's exit, noting that the President could have appointed a deputy from any other part of the country.
Addressing Gachagua directly, Kindiki said he was not asking him to join the government but appealed for mutual respect. "Hon. Rigathi, I am not asking you to join the Government because you are not in Government, and I wish you well in the work you are doing. However, let us respect one another and stop creating divisions here at home. When you come to Mount Kenya, let us, as you said the other day, avoid insulting or disrespecting one another," he said.
Kindiki concluded by urging residents to restore peace and cohesion, saying political contests would come and go, but the people of the Mt Kenya region would continue living together as one community.