Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on residents of the Mt Kenya region to defend their leaders against what he termed as rising political insults from opposition figures, while urging restraint and civility in public discourse.
Speaking during a development tour of Kirinyaga County, Kindiki emphasized the need for respect across the political divide, saying leaders should not be subjected to personal attacks regardless of their affiliations.
“Do not allow anyone to come here and insult your leaders. Stand firm but remain respectful. Do not be intimidated into silence but also do not be drawn into unnecessary hostility and contests,” he said.
The Deputy President made the remarks on Wednesday while commissioning and inspecting key development projects in Kirinyaga Central Constituency.
Among the projects launched was the Gatarwa Last Mile Electricity Supply Project, which is expected to connect 165 households to power at a cost of Sh9.5 million.
Kindiki also inspected the ongoing construction of the Kagumo–Mununga–Kiamaina–Kianjagi road and later addressed residents at Kagumo Trading Centre, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering development across the region.
In a thinly veiled criticism of opposition leaders, Kindiki dismissed what he described as “chest-thumping” politics, arguing that such approaches lack substance and fail to address citizens’ needs.
“This kind of chest-thumping from some of the opposition leaders who have limited influence leads nowhere. The world is guided by wisdom, not incitement, noise or a lack of a clear agenda and direction. We have seen such petty politics before and it is useless,” he said.
The Deputy President underscored the importance of maintaining political stability in the Mt Kenya region, noting that the area would continue to support the current administration to maximize development gains.
“We will ensure that our people benefit as much as possible from the development brought by this government because it is a government we elected. We will not stand by and allow outsiders, especially those who have done little for their own people, to come and claim space here,” he added.
Kindiki also called on leaders to uphold decorum, particularly in their engagement with the presidency, stressing that respect for institutions is critical to national cohesion.
“We have had many influential leaders from the Mount Kenya region who served with dignity and did not resort to insulting or belittling others. Leadership requires respect and responsibility. Resorting to abuse against the President or other leaders lowers the level of discourse and does not help anyone,” he said.
The tour was attended by several local leaders, including Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Deputy Governor David Githanda and Kirinyaga Central MP David Gitari, among others.
The Deputy President’s remarks come amid heightened political activity across the country, with leaders positioning themselves ahead of future electoral contests.