Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged leaders to abandon early succession politics, saying the government's immediate priority is securing President William Ruto's reelection and protecting the development agenda already underway across the country.
Addressing the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme at Kaptarkok in Keiyo South, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, on Saturday, Kindiki said leaders should concentrate on the 2027 General Election instead of shifting attention to the 2032 race. He represented President Ruto during the event and said the administration still has work to complete before any future political contest.
"I want to ask my brothers and sisters to put aside unimportant matters and consolidate the gains that this administration has brought to our country. Let us unite our efforts to ensure that President William Ruto gets a second term and continues delivering his agenda of transforming Kenya," DP said.
He said discussions about the next succession should not take precedence over the government's efforts to implement projects and programmes that are already changing lives.
"I am calling upon all leaders across this country, from the Coast to Western Kenya, Nyanza, the Rift Valley, Central Kenya, Nairobi, North Eastern, and Eastern regions, to stop early campaigns for 2032.
We have important work to do first next year. We must consolidate the gains we have achieved under the leadership of President William Ruto and ensure that his agenda of transforming Kenya is not disrupted by a directionless, agenda-less, thoughtless, and plan-less opposition," DP stressed.
Kindiki said the administration's performance over the last four years has laid a strong foundation for seeking another term, pointing to major road projects and programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.
Among the projects he listed were the Talanta Stadium, the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway expansion, the Isiolo-Mandera Highway and the reconstruction of Nithi Bridge.
He also highlighted the NYOTA youth empowerment programme, whose second batch of grants was released on Friday, saying it is helping young people grow businesses and create jobs. He added that the fertilizer subsidy programme has enabled farmers to increase production and improve their earnings.
Kindiki said the government's achievements since taking office should remain the centre of political discussions as the country heads towards the next election.
"We have witnessed the transformation of Kenya under the leadership of President William Ruto over the last four years. We have seen projects that many people never imagined could be achieved in this country become a reality," he noted.
On environmental conservation, the Deputy President said the government remains committed to restoring forests and meeting its target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
He said forests such as Kaptagat are receiving support through rehabilitation programmes aimed at protecting water towers and strengthening food and water security.
"We want to ensure that we have a good environment that provides water security and food security for the benefit of our nation.
We have a tree planting programme of 15 billion trees between 2022 and 2032. Already, we have planted 1.7 billion trees, and we want to accelerate this programme so that we achieve the target of 15 billion trees by 2032," he noted.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said Kindiki has played a key role in keeping the government's agenda on course since assuming office as Deputy President.
"Since you became Deputy President, we have seen amazing development across the country because you have stabilized the President's agenda," the CS noted.
Murkomen also called for greater support for environmental conservation efforts.
"We must work together to ensure all environmental efforts come to fruition," said Mr Murkomen.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa said progress is being made towards the national tree planting target and urged Kenyans to take advantage of the upcoming rainy season to plant more trees.
"We are progressing well in achieving the targeted 15 billion trees by 2032," she said.
National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, who is the patron of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme, said the initiative is set to restore more forest land after recording positive results over the past decade.