Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has challenged opposition leaders to prepare for a tough political contest focused on development records and service delivery to Kenyans.
Speaking on Thursday during an inspection tour of development projects in Tigania West, Meru County, the Deputy President said the next political contest should be based on what leaders have achieved while in office.
Kindiki said leaders seeking support from the public must be ready to account for their track record.
He noted that several opposition figures had previously served in powerful government positions and should be prepared to explain their contributions to the country.
“Every leader is known by the work they do for wananchi. When the time comes, I will show the roads, water, markets and electricity we have delivered. Our opponents must also be ready to do the same because they were in power before,” he said.
The Deputy President dismissed claims by critics that he could easily be challenged politically, saying he remains focused on serving the public.
“We are not pushovers. We are focused and we are serving the people,” Kindiki stated.
During the visit, Kindiki inspected the ongoing construction of the Kianjai Modern Market, which he said is expected to be completed within two months.
He also reviewed progress on township roads in Kianjai that are being upgraded by the national government.
According to the Deputy President, the government has allocated Sh39.5 billion for road projects across Meru County, including the revival of several stalled projects.
Meru town alone has been allocated Sh3.7 billion for the upgrading of roads within the town.
“Every constituency in Meru County will receive a fair share of the road budget. We have paid pending bills for contractors and most of them are back on site while others are preparing to resume work,” he said.
Kindiki said several modern markets across the county are nearing completion, including those in Kianjai, Maua, Laare, Mutuati and Mikinduri, each costing between Sh300 million and Sh350 million.
He added that 12 Economic Stimulus Programme markets are also under construction in areas including Timau, Kiirua, Gikumene, Gatimbi and Kangeta at a cost of between Sh55 million and Sh70 million each.
The government has also disbursed Sh2.3 billion to extend electricity connections to 27,000 households, while a Sh300 million power substation is under construction in Nyambene.
Kindiki urged visiting opposition leaders to avoid insulting local leaders during political engagements in the county.
“You cannot succeed as a leader if the only thing you do is insult others, incite people or feed them with empty talk without solutions,” he said.
He added that as a Njuri Ncheke elder, he would maintain respect for all leaders despite criticism.
“I have no problem with any leader in Meru. I have forgiven those insulting me. Our community must remain united now and after elections,” he said.
The Deputy President was accompanied by Meru Deputy Governor Linda Kiome and several legislators, including Tigania West MP John Mutunga, Igembe Central MP Dan Kiili and Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, among other local leaders.
