Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says development-focused politics will prevail over threats and insults as Mbeere North heads to a by-election next week.
Addressing residents at Kanyuambora on Thursday while campaigning for UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende Leo, Kindiki accused the opposition of courting voters with “empty rhetoric” instead of genuine development plans.
He said voters were no longer swayed by intimidation or provocative language.
“Our opponents have been here selling nothing but threats and insults directed at Embu and Mbeere leaders. When you insult leaders, you are insulting the people who elected them. This is unacceptable,” he said.
The DP said humility and service delivery remain the strongest markers of effective leadership.
He noted that the ruling party would not be dragged into exchanging insults, insisting that its focus was on completing major development projects in the region.
“We are humbly asking the great people of Mbeere North to elect Leo because he is humble and his agenda on improving the lives of the people here is well known,” Kindiki said.
He assured residents that the government would work closely with the UDA candidate to speed up key infrastructure projects already underway.
These include the Sh250 million Kanyuambora Irrigation Project, construction of the Kanyuambora modern market, and the ongoing Kanyuambora–Kamumu–Siakago Road.
The market is part of 12 similar facilities being developed across Embu County under the national administration.
Kindiki criticised rival leaders, saying they had held power before but failed to deliver basic infrastructure. He accused them of attempting to rewrite their records to win votes.
“When they were in power, they didn’t influence the construction of any water or road projects, nor electricity connection, but now they are back lying to you about how we should be together and how we are one. They must respect us,” he said.
The DP urged residents to resist attempts to inflame tensions ahead of the by-election. He stressed that political competition should not create conflict within the community.
“We must maintain our peace, our friendship and our neighbourhood because after the elections next week we will still live together as one people. Campaigns should not sow enmity among the people of Mbeere North,” he said.
The Mbeere North by-election is scheduled for next Thursday, with leading parties intensifying campaigns as the constituency prepares to choose its next MP.
