Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Mt Kenya residents to rally behind President William Ruto's re-election bid in 2027, saying the region's strongest path to the country's top leadership depends on securing the President a second term before pursuing its own ambitions.
Speaking on Sunday during a tour of Meru County, Kindiki told residents that the region should remain united behind President Ruto, arguing that supporting any other political formation would weaken its chances of producing the country's next President.
The Deputy President said once President Ruto completes a second term, Mt Kenya will be well placed to take over the country's leadership, urging residents not to lose focus on what he described as a rare political opportunity.
Addressing worshippers and residents after attending two church services and later a public rally, Kindiki cautioned against making political decisions that could derail the region's future.
"Don't play ping pong with a chance like this at the Presidency. Just like in football, like in the ongoing World Cup, the best-placed person to score receives the ball and he puts the ball in the net and we all celebrate," Kindiki said.
"After President Ruto, I am the best-placed person to take over from him. I’m the striker staring at the goal, why should anyone else tell you to recycle the ball to the defenders yet I, as the striker, is standing strong and well placed to score?"
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki speaking in Meru on July 12, 2026.
PHOTO / DPCS
Kindiki attended a service at the Methodist Church, Abothuguchi Synod, in Imenti Central Constituency, where he led a resource mobilisation drive for the construction of the church headquarters.
Later, he represented President Ruto during a fundraising event for the construction of the Methodist Church, Laare Synod, in Igembe North Constituency before addressing a public rally in Laare town.
The Deputy President said Mt Kenya had little chance of producing the country's next President through rival political camps, insisting the current administration offers the region its clearest route to State House.
"In the other formation, this region is not in any consideration to take over presidency anytime in the near future but with the one under the stewardship of President Ruto, the fireman is just next after him. Don't take fruitful chances like this for granted. Do not be deceived, this is the best possible opportunity for us to ascend to the Presidency," he urged.
Kindiki also defended his political record, saying his years in public service have prepared him for higher leadership despite criticism from his opponents.
"Let them continue insulting me, belittling me and saying all sorts of things. I served as senator for 10 years, five years as majority leader and three years as deputy speaker. I have been interior cabinet secretary for two years and now deputy president. They must respect us," DP noted.
He maintained that the Kenya Kwanza administration deserves the region's support because of the development projects already underway across Meru County.
According to Kindiki, the government is implementing projects worth billions of shillings, including the upgrade of Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital to a Level Six facility, road projects valued at Sh39 billion, electricity expansion worth Sh2.3 billion and the construction of modern markets.
He added that the redesign of Nithi Bridge is also being fast-tracked despite delays caused by compensation issues involving affected landowners.
"There is no other government that has accorded undivided attention to Meru region than President Ruto’s government. I am asking our people not to return this great favour with disrespect. There is no other place for us outside this government. Do not be deceived by those who failed to do anything for us when they were in power," DP stated.
Kindiki appealed for patience, saying the government remains committed to delivering every promise made to Kenyans.
"The President is being pressured to deliver everything now as if he is the first President of the country. We have had four presidents before him. We will deliver all our promises but let us be patient," he said.