Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said the government will not tolerate the use of goons to disrupt the country's peace, declaring that stern action will be taken against those perpetrating the vice.
The second-in-command said no one will be spared in the fight against goons, adding that anyone sponsoring them—whether in government or the opposition—will face the full force of the law.
"It doesn't matter whether you support the opposition or the government. Our national security and stability are paramount. We must say no to all forms of violence and the misuse of young people to advance political interests," the DP said.
The Deputy President spoke on Wednesday when he officially opened the Kithimani Land Registry in Yatta Constituency, Machakos County. During the event, he handed over title deeds to some of the 1,300 beneficiaries who received the land ownership documents.
"As a country, we must draw a clear line between politics, violence and criminal activities. We cannot mix politics with crime and expect to have a country where hardworking citizens' businesses are torched. We cannot incite young people with small handouts to burn supermarkets simply because there are demonstrations," he added.
The DP, who earlier inspected the ongoing construction of the Kithimani ESP Fresh Produce Market, challenged the opposition to present a development-oriented agenda instead of resorting to violence and threats.
"Those competing with us should not think they have permission to insult others, use violence or issue threats that undermine security. We must compete on who has the best agenda for helping Kenyan youth secure employment, empowering women to grow their businesses and ensuring citizens have good roads. That is the competition we want," Kindiki said.
He further said the administration is developing every part of the country without discrimination, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring all Kenyans benefit from its transformation agenda.
The opening of the land registry, the DP noted, will make land services more accessible to residents, who have long been forced to travel long distances and endure lengthy waiting periods.
"Our people in Yatta have suffered for many years. Governments have come and gone, but the people of Kithimani have had to travel all the way to Machakos to acquire title deeds, spending more than KSh1,000 on transport. Sometimes they would not even receive the service that day and would be forced to spend the night before returning another day, paying even more," he said.
Additionally, the government is fast-tracking the completion of several development projects in the area, including roads, electricity, water, affordable housing, hostels and modern markets.
In Machakos County, more than 517 kilometres of roads are under construction at a cost of KSh30 billion. They include the Matuu–Ikombe–Gatangi Road, the Matuu–Ekarakara Road and the Ekarakara Bridge.
The National Irrigation Authority is also implementing several water projects to improve access to water for residents of Machakos County. The Kithimani Modern Market is 60 per cent complete and is expected to be finished before the end of the year.
Several affordable housing projects, modern markets and student hostels are also under construction and are scheduled for completion.
"The development taking place here is because the President believes that the people of Yatta, Machakos and the entire Ukambani region deserve roads, electricity, water, land registry services and employment opportunities like all other Kenyans. It does not matter who they voted for in 2022," he said.
The DP urged the opposition to prepare to face Kenyans with a tangible development agenda, saying the issues they are currently advancing will not resonate with the public.
"No leader will be defended by hatred, violence, tribalism or the divisions they have brought to this country. Every leader will be judged and defended by the work they have done," he said.
Those present included Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, State Department for Lands and Physical Planning Principal Secretary Nixon Korir, Yatta MP Robert Basil, Masinga MP Joshua Mwalyo and other leaders.