Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has cautioned the opposition against what he termed attempts to sponsor violence in Mbeere North ahead of next week’s by-election. He said any efforts to disrupt peace in the constituency would not be tolerated.
Kindiki, who is leading campaigns for UDA candidate Leonard Muriuki Wamuthende, claimed some opposition figures had resorted to incitement to destabilise the area during the election period.
“We cannot allow some people to incite us against each other when we know the challenges facing the people of Mt Kenya East. We have no problem with our opponents, but we cannot allow one person who is sponsoring goons to divide the peaceful people of Embu and Mbeere North,” he said.
Speaking on Tuesday at Karambari, the Deputy President criticised politicians, he said previously held senior positions in government but failed to deliver development to the region. He accused them of returning to the area “chest-thumping” and insulting elected local leaders.
“You did nothing when you were in office, and now you are here lecturing us and insulting Embu leaders chosen by wananchi. This is not acceptable, and the era of pride and insults has come to an end,” he said.
Kindiki said the ruling coalition fully supports Leo’s candidacy, describing him as the best candidate to fast-track ongoing government projects in the constituency.
Among the major projects, he highlighted the tarmacking of the Saikago–Kanyuambora and Gukuyari–Muminji–Kirie–Ishiara roads. He said President William Ruto had prioritised the roads after previous administrations failed to complete them.
Embu County, he added, has benefited from the construction of 12 modern markets, including three in Mbeere North. The Ishiara market is nearing completion, while new markets in Siakago and Karambari are set to begin. Several water projects are underway in Kanyuambora, Nthawa and surrounding areas.
Kindiki also said the government has doubled the last-mile electricity allocation for the constituency to Sh500 million.
He urged residents not to be swayed by the opposition, warning that development could stall if the elected MP does not cooperate with the government.
“As your neighbour from Tharaka Nithi, I plead with you not to be enticed into the opposition by those who don’t mean well. You risk losing the goodwill needed to complete all these projects,” he said.
He argued that electing an opposition MP would make it difficult to advance development.
“With Leo in Parliament, it will be easier to push for the completion of all these projects. You cannot have someone in Parliament who will be opposing the President and his government from the first day,” he said.
The by-election is expected to draw intensified political activity as campaigns enter the final stretch.
